Household Hazardous Waste

Some facts about household hazardous waste

• Americans generate 1.6 mililon tons of household hazardous waste per year
• The average home can accumulate as much as 100 pounds of household hazardous waste in the basement, garage and storage closets

Benefits of reducing household hazardous waste

• Conserves energy and resources
• Prevents pollution that could endanger the environment, animals and humans

Types of household hazardous waste

Flammable	Corrosive	Toxic

Ways to reduce household hazardous waste

• Buy products that do not contain toxic materials
• Only buy as much as you need
• Read the labels on products and look for the symbols above to see what chemicals they contain
• Keep products in their original storage containers
• Do not remove any labels or stickers from storage containers
• Use an alternative solution

Cautions and Advice

• When using hazardous materials, use them in well-ventilated areas
• Clean up any spills right away
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and gloves. This can keep chemicals from coming into contact with your skin.
• Never mix chemicals; this could cause a deadly reaction
• Buy products that have child-proof lids

Disposal

• Do not pour household hazardous materials down toilets or drains. This could lead to contamination of septic systems or water treatment plants.
• Do not pour household hazardous materials down a storm drain
• Contact your solid waste coordinator to find if there will be a collection event in your community

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