Household Hazardous Waste

Reducing Waste

The Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) program reduces the amount of hazardous and toxic wastes that are released into the environment through the municipal solid waste stream entering area landfills or through illegal dumping. It provides the citizens of the area a safe method to properly dispose of hazardous materials. 

Regulations & Disposal

Some of these products are recycled and redistributed free of charge to the community, and materials that are not recyclable are destroyed by an approved disposal entity. Existing regulations for disposal of hazardous wastes clearly exempt household products, yet many household products contain hazardous substances. 

Community & Environmental Benefis

The depth and breadth of this problem is impossible to accurately assess due to the variety of the products that may potentially become HHW and their widespread use. Preventing these household products from becoming hazardous waste through their collection, redistribution, and reuse is the least expensive method of handling the materials while providing the greatest benefit to the community and the environment.

Accepted Wastes

  • Compact fluorescent light bulbs
  • Household cleaners / degreasers / personal care products
  • Oil-based and latex paints / varnish / polyurethane
  • Paint thinners / strippers / solvents
  • Pesticides / herbicides / weed killer / fertilizer
  • Used motor oil / antifreeze / other automotive products
  • household batteries

Excluded Wastes

  • Asbestos
  • Banned pesticides
  • Compressed gas cylinders
  • Dioxin-bearing wastes
  • Explosives
  • Garbage
  • Medical wastes (i.e. insulin needles, expired or unused prescriptions)
  • Radioactives such as smoke detectors
  • Unlabeled or unknown wastes

Program Guidelines

  • All participants bringing in HHW for collection must sign in with name and address stating what HHW is being brought in and the amount and type of each item.
  • All materials must be in original containers with original labels intact and legible.
  • All participants taking out paints and/or stains must sign in with name and address stating what is being taken out and in what amounts.
  • If the original container is leaking, the container must be placed in a plastic container and then filled in with clay type kitty litter.
  • Used antifreeze must be in a sturdy plastic container securely capped and clearly marked.
  • Used oil must be in a sturdy plastic container securely capped, clearly marked, and free of water.