Household Hazardous Waste, or HHW, is any flammable, toxic, reactive or corrosive waste that is left from a household product, and includes cleaners, paints, pesticides, light bulbs, and batteries.
Is HHW Dangerous?
Very! Paint is dangerous if the fumes are inhaled or if the paint is swallowed. Pesticides are toxic, even deadly, even in cases of skin contact only. Lye, which is used as a cleaner, is highly reactive, and is guaranteed to be lethal if swallowed. And batteries, especially old and leaking batteries, are corrosive and poisonous.
How do I get rid of them?
Depending on your Collection Service, there may be specific days that the pick ups will take HHW. Check with your provider about this.
If not, there are centers that will take these wastes throughout the year. Search for these if you urgently need to dispose of HHW. (If you live in the San Diego area, search wastefreesd.org for a HHW facility near you)
Failing these, there are businesses that will accept certain wastes as a matter of service. For example, auto garages will accept used motor oil, which is a HHW. However, they won’t take motor oil that has been mixed with other auto fluids or chemicals.
Finally, there are events, similar to E-Waste collections, that are held for the collection of HHW. Look for these as well.
Maybe I could get rid of them myself…
That is not a good idea. Even if you happen to have an incinerator handy, the fumes that would be toxic, and it would be considered a crime. Also, improper disposal attempts can result in fires, explosions, contamination, and death. It’s much safer to hand HHW over to people who are trained to handle them.
