Safe Disposal of Household Hazardous Waste: What You Need to Know

Proper disposal of common household items is essential for protecting our environment and public health. Household hazardous waste (HHW) programs play a crucial role in safely managing dangerous substances, preventing pollution, and reducing health risks. Let's explore how to properly dispose of some common household items that require extra precautions for safe disposal.

Metal Paint Cans

If you've got leftover paint in a can, see if anyone might want it for small projects before tossing it out. Using up the paint is the best option! If you can't find a taker, take the can (with any leftover paint) to your local HHW drop-off.

Most paint cans are metal and can be recycled if they're clean and dry. Check with your recycling facility first!

To prepare an empty can for recycling, remove dried paint. For water-based paint, scrape or peel the dried stuff off. If that doesn't work, soak it in soapy water for about an hour and scrub it out. For oil-based paint, soak the inside of the can in mineral spirits, roll it every 15 minutes, then wipe out the loosened paint. Add some dish soap to cut through the oil, and you might need to repeat this a couple of times before rinsing it clean.

Pressurized Tanks

Aerosol cans, propane tanks, butane canisters, and oxygen or helium tanks can be super dangerous if tossed in regular garbage or recycling. The risk of explosion is real if these tanks get crushed or compacted during transport!

Due to their flammable materials, pressurized tanks generally require safe disposal at HHW facilities. Some areas may allow empty aerosol cans for recycling, but be sure to check with your local center and follow their guidelines for proper emptying.

Some tanks, like oxygen or propane ones, might have refill or replacement options available, so check out what's in your area!

Motor Oil & Automotive Fluids

When it comes to disposing of lubricating oils like engine oil, transmission fluid, or brake fluid, you'll want to take them to a designated hazardous waste facility. These centers are equipped to handle hazardous automotive materials safely.

Keep these fluids in their original containers if possible, as the labels help facility staff identify them. If you don't have the originals, clearly label any new containers. Tightly cap all containers to prevent leaks during transport.

Cleaning Chemicals and Containers

Just like automotive fluids, cleaning chemicals should be clearly labeled and taken to HHW facilities. Some cleaning solutions are non-hazardous (think basic soap), but if a label has a warning, it's better to be safe and dispose of it properly.

Even if the containers are plastic, glass, or metal, if they held hazardous chemicals, they belong at a hazardous waste facility.

Fertilizers and Pesticides

Fertilizers and pesticides are packed with synthetic chemicals that can pose risks to human health, so they should only be disposed of at HHW facilities. Tossing these in the trash can contaminate recycling and put waste workers at risk, not to mention the potential for groundwater contamination or air pollution!

Medications

While medications typically don't need to be dropped off at HHW sites, they do require safe disposal. Most pharmacies can guide you on how to return qualified medications so trained professionals can dispose of them properly. Your pharmacist can also tell you if some medications can be flushed or tossed in the trash.

Check with your local recycling facility about accepting plastic pill bottles. Acceptance can vary by location, so it's always good to ask!

By following these guidelines and utilizing available resources, we can ensure that hazardous materials are managed responsibly, contributing to a cleaner and safer environment for everyone.