HHI-Pedia Entry

Hazardous Waste

By HousekeepingChannel.com

Hazardous wastes are unused or left-over contents of consumer products such as pesticides, motor oil, batteries, certain paints, cleaners, stains, and varnishes. These products are hazardous or toxic to humans and may cause damage to the environment if they're thrown out improperly.

Improper disposal includes:

In addition, these products pose a danger to children or pets if stored carelessly around the home.

In many cases, product labeling includes instructions for safe disposal of toxic or hazardous substances.

While U.S. law does not prohibit discarding such wastes as household trash, a number of states and municipalities enforce stricter disposal standards. To reduce the hazard, more than 3,000 communities have sponsored hazardous waste collection days or maintain disposal centers for residents and small businesses in their jurisdictions. Contact your city or town hall, county government, or state solid-waste agency to learn what restrictions apply to homes or small businesses in your area, and whether a local agency regularly collects hazardous waste.

Following is a list of common products that may contain hazardous ingredients:

Reference:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

 

References listed above credit sources The Healthy House Institute consulted for background or additional information.

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