Household Hazardous Waste

Hey friends, I found another cool site to look at, and am attaching a document that explains what household hazardous waste is and offers safe handling tips. This comes from the site: www.hazardouswaste.utah.gov. What things are you willing to change or do differently to reduce the threat that hazardous waste presents?


Household Hazardous Waste Fact Sheet
Utah Department of Environmental Quality
Promoting a Healthy Environment

What is Household Hazardous Waste?
Many hazardous products and chemicals such as cleaners, oils and pesticides are used in the home
every day. When discarded, these products are called household hazardous waste. To be
considered hazardous they must be ignitable, corrosive, reactive, toxic or otherwise listed as
hazardous by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Products used and disposed of by a
typical residence may contain more than 100 hazardous substances including:
 Batteries
 Cleaners
 Cosmetics
 Fluorescent light bulbs
 Glues
 Heating oil
 Insecticides and pesticides
 Ink
 Medicines
 Motor oil and automotive supplies
 Paints, thinners, stains and varnishes
 Polishes
 Swimming pool chemicals
 Smoke detectors
 Thermometers

Household Hazardous Waste is a Serious Threat
The average American household generates 20 pounds of household hazardous wastes yearly,
according to EPA estimates.
Since chemicals found in household hazardous wastes can contaminate soil and groundwater,
generate hazardous emissions at landfills and disrupt water treatment plants, it is important to
dispose properly dispose of them. Many solid waste treatment facilities are required to screen for household hazardous wastes to avoid operating under restrictive hazardous waste laws. Many communities also are required to establish household hazardous waste collection programs to qualify for storm water permits.

Safe Handling Tips
The best way to handle hazardous household materials completely using the product before
disposing of containers. The next best alternative is returning unused portions on your
community’s household hazardous waste cleanup day. Keep products in original packages with all
labels intact. If the container leaks, put it in a thick plastic bag. Pack the products in a plasticlined
cardboard box to prevent leaks and breakage.
Household hazardous waste cleanup days are for household wastes only. No industrial or
commercial wastes and no containers larger than five gallons are accepted. Explosives,
radioactive material and medical wastes are unacceptable.

Household hazardous wastes can be dangerous to people and pets who come in contact with them.
They also can pollute water supplies, damage sewage treatment systems and cause other
environmental damage. Use the products as directed.
DO NOT:
 Flush down the toilet
 Pour down the sink
 Pour down storm drains
 Pour on the ground
Contact your local health department or the Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste to determine
whether your community has a household hazardous waste collection program.
Identify Household Hazardous Waste
Reduce the amount of potentially hazardous products in your home and eliminate what you throw away by following these easy steps:

1. Before you buy:
 Read labels and be aware of what they mean
 Look for these words on labels. They tell you what products may need special handling or disposal:
Caution
Combustible
Corrosive
Danger
Explosive
Flammable
Poison
Toxic
Volatile
Warning
 Select product best suited for the job
 Buy only what you need

2. After you buy:
 Read label precautions and follow directions for safe use
 Recycle or dispose of empty containers properly
 Share what you can’t use with friends or neighbors
 Store properly
 Use recommended amounts. More is not necessarily better
 Use the child-resistant closures and keep them on tightly

For More Information, Contact:
Division of Solid & Hazardous Waste - (801) 538-6170
Environmental Hotline - 1 (800) 458-0145
Pollution Prevention Coordinator - (801) 536-4477