GInstitute Home Improvement and Remodelling

Hazardous household wastes are household products that give off waste and by-products that have the potential to harm humans or the environment, either now or in the future if not disposed of properly. There are many options to dispose of household hazardous wastes safely, protect the environment and keep your home safe. Recycling programs are available for some hazardous waste if needed.

Although recycling programs have increased, but so has the amount of waste being generated, including the quantity of hazardous waste.  The average household stores many hazardous substances or products that contain harmful elements. It can be dangerous to dispose of hazardous wastes just through regular rubbish collections. Examples of household hazardous waste include:

• Solvent-based paints.
• Pesticides and other garden chemicals.
• Batteries (car, mobile phone, and regular household batteries).
• Motor oil from vehicles or mowers.
• Petrol and kerosene.
• Cleaning and polishing chemicals.
• Swimming pool or spa bath chemicals.
• Pharmaceuticals of all types.
• Thermometers, barometers, thermostats, fluorescent tubes, and CFL’s.

To handle hazardous waste at home safely you should:

• Keep the goods in their original containers if possible. If containers are leaking, use new containers but never use food containers like softdrink bottles.
• Don’t mix chemicals when decanting a substance into a new storage container.
• Make sure all labels, including warning labels and manufacturer’s instructions, remain intact on the packaging.
• Store goods upright with lids secured tightly and out of the reach of children.
• Keep all ignition sources, such as matches, well away from the storage area.
• Keep the storage area cool and dry.
• Buy the smallest amount for your needs.

What happens when you don’t dispose of dangerous waste properly?

Buried in the garden – dangerous chemicals and poison can leach into the surface or groundwater. This can affect the soil, plants and water for a long time.

Tipped down the sink – wastes may corrode the pipes or block storm water drains and cause problems at water treatment plants.

Put into the regular garbage – this can put the health and safety of garbage collection workers at risk. It may also pollute waterways and drinking water if sent to normal landfills. Hazardous waste should only be stored in specially designed landfills.

Plastic shopping bags – these can create an ugly litter problem if not recycled or disposed of properly. If these bags get into waterways, they may be a threat to wildlife. Most supermarkets now collect plastic bags for recycling.

Illegal disposal, dumping or misuse of wastes is a serious offence and subject to federal or state penalties.