Household Hazardous Waste

Household hazardous waste refers to used or leftover contents of consumer products that contain materials with one of the four characteristics of a hazardous waste: toxicity, ignitability, corrosivity or reactivity. Common household products such as fluorescent light bulbs, paint thinner, stains, varnishes, and lithium batteries are considered household hazardous waste.

These chemicals can enter the environment during use, when they are discarded in the garbage, poured down the drain, spilled accidentally, or are dumped outside. The hazardous chemicals can contaminate ground and surface water, enter stormwater and cause fish kills, and potentially injure others. They also can harm us directly, through unintended side-effects, improper use, or accidental poisoning. Household hazardous waste should not be disposed of in the regular trash. Instead, bring them to one of your local household hazardous waste collection sites.

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