Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) is any item in your home that can cause injury if handled improperly. These items will have a warning or cautinary statement on the label such as flammable, corrosive, poison or toxic. Many people unknowingly or carelessly throw away items from their home that can cause major problems to the environment. If household hazardous waste (HHW) is disposed of improperly, it can start a fire, give off dangerous fumes, contaminate the soil or groundwater, or cause injury to people, animals or plants. When it rains, stormwater runs over ground picking up debris and other pollution which eventually end up in our waterways killing acquatic live and polluting our waters.
You can avoid having household hazardous waste in your home by avoiding aerosol containers, reading the labels and using non-toxic products instead of chemicals.
Storing HHW in your home:
Here are some tips on how to safely store househould hazardous waste:
- Never dump anything in the storm drain - Remember "Only Rain Down the Storm Drain!"
- Never mix different materials
- Keep all chemicals in the original container with labels
- Store in a dry, enclosed place that is inaccessible by children and pets
- Never eat, drink or smoke around HHW materials and keep the items away from heat sources and open flames
- Check all containers to make sure lids are securied tightly and there is no leakage
- Kitty litter, sand or saw dust can be used to soak up spilled or leaked HHW
Materials considered HHW:
- Electronics
- Used oil
- Fluorescent Bulbs
- Compact fluorescent light (CFL)
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Oil-based and latex paints
- Paint removers
- Mineral spirits
- Solvents
- Brake fluid
- Gasoline
- Household cleaners (glass, bathroom, kitchen, etc.)
- Pool chemicals
- Batteries (rechargeable, lithium, computer, cell phone, etc.)
- Auto, marine and motorcycle batteries
- Old ammunition, flares, fireworks
- Propane and scuba tanks
Dispose of HHW properly:
If you have any questions, email the NPDES coordinator or the Solid Waste Management Department.