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The phrase household hazardous waste (HHW) refers to products used around the house that can harm human health or the environment if improperly handled. These products can include pesticides, batteries, cleaners and solvents, paint, and motor oils, among others. To protect the planet and your family's health, consult an expert to handle the disposal of these items.

How to properly dispose of (and minimize) household hazardous waste

Household hazardous waste is commonly disposed of improperly: it is flushed down the toilet; poured down the drain, onto the ground, or into storm sewers; or put out with the regular trash. The only way to safely dispose of these materials is to find a center in your area that accepts and processes HHW. To find one near you, check out Earth 911's Recycling Center search bar (at the top of the homepage). Then, contact the site directly to get a list of HHW items that they collect and how they want them to be handled and brought in.

After you've done that, minimize the HHW you create int he first place by choosing alternatives to hazardous ingredients. This reduces the use of hazardous materials at the source so you have fewer disposal issues down the road. Check out these tips for ideas to minimize hazardous waste at home:

• Recycle used appliances
• Choose an ozone-safe air conditioner
• Make your own household cleaning supplies
• Use natural drain cleaners
• Choose natural metal polishes
• Use a commercial car wash
• Use a safe paint recycling or paint disposal method

Properly disposing of household hazardous waste helps you go green because...

• You protect drinking water sources and wildlife habitat from contamination.
• You avoid the health risks associated with exposure to hazardous ingredients.

Each year, 1.6 million tons of household hazardous waste is generated in the US. The average American household can accumulate up to 100 pounds of HHW in places like the basement, garage, and storage closets.[1] Disposing of HHW improperly can contaminate septic tanks and treatment systems, as well as waterways and ecosystems.

Related health issues

Hazardous wastes can be harmful to children and pets when left lying around the house or yard. Ingestion of HHW is a main cause of poisoning in children aged six years and under. Many hazardous products can also cause eye damage when splashed in the eye.

It is important to take necessary safety precautions when handling household hazardous waste to arrange for its disposal. These precautions include:

• Make sure you have sufficient ventilation and consider using a fan to create air flow. You may also want to use a ventilating mask, as gases, vapors, and sprays can be inhaled into the lungs and passed directly through the blood stream.
• Do not eat or drink while handling or using hazardous products, and keep them away from young children who may try to put them in their mouths. Toxins can be ingested by consuming hazardous substances or contaminated food or drink.
• Wear gloves and protective clothing. Toxins can irritate your skin and enter your bloodstream through the skin.
• Wear goggles to protect your eyes, and avoid soft contact lenses, as they absorb toxins and hold the irritants close to the eye for a prolonged period of time.

External links

• US Environmental Protection Agency - Municipal Solid Waste: Household Hazardous Waste
• US Environmental Protection Agency - Municipal Solid Waste: List of Common HHW Products
• Health Goods - Household Hazardous Products
• University of Missouri Extension - Office of Waste Management: Household Hazardous Waste Scroll down to "Guide Sheets" for a list of links to more helpful guidelines.