HAZWASTE — Keep an eye on household hazardous waste ...
Know how to dispose it, too!
As part of your job, you may work with materials that are hazardous waste when you’re done with them. But many leftover household products also contain potentially hazardous ingredients. These are considered “household hazardous wastes” or “HHW.” Household hazardous waste is any solid waste classified as hazardous which is generated in a household by a consumer. See the breakdown below.
In any community, HHW is typically:
- 10% batteries, unidentified materials, and other miscellaneous items
- 20% solvents, pesticides, & herbicides
- 20% used oil, or
- 50% paint products
Collection options
If you find any of the HHW listed above in your household, check with your local city government officials to learn proper disposal methods. See below.
Permanent collection or exchange. Your community may have a permanent collection facility that collects HHW year-round. HHW products are typically reused by others or recycled. Contribute as best you can by:
- Donating to a neighborhood, or
- Providing HHW’s to a local community group.
Special collection days. If your neighborhood doesn’t have year-round collection systems for HHW:
- See if there are designated days in your area for collecting solid wastes.
- Call local government officials and ask about safe management and disposal options.
Local business collection sites. If your community doesn’t fall under the categories above, you may be able to drop off certain products at local businesses to recycle or dispose your wastes properly. Some local garages, for example, may accept used motor oil for recycling.
Note: Depending on where you live, your location’s government officials may not consider paints, solvents, and batteries to be HHWs.