What Is Household Hazardous Waste?
Household hazardous waste (HHW) is waste that can harm the environment and/or human health if improperly disposed of. Common examples include paint, batteries, and aerosols. These items are usually deemed hazardous because they are flammable, explosive, corrosive, or toxic.
HHW items should never be put in the trash. They also should not be poured down the drain, onto the ground, or into storm sewers. Always bring HHW to a local collection site or official collection event for safe disposal.
Common Types of Household Hazardous Waste
While this isn’t an exhaustive list, many HHW products fall into one of these categories. Check your county’s HHW program for more details on specific items, or
contact LePage & Sons with questions.
- Aerosols (empty containers can go in the regular trash)
- Batteries
- Cleaning chemicals (drain cleaners, polish, etc.)
- Nail polish and nail polish remover
- Gasoline, propane tanks, and charcoal lighter fluid
- Fire extinguishers
- Medications and medical sharps (like needles, syringes, and lancets)
- Vape pens and e-cigarettes
- Automotive batteries and fluids
- Pesticides
- Paint, paint stripper, and paint thinner
- Stain, varnish, and wood preservatives
- Driveway sealer
How to Handle Household Hazardous Waste
HHW products require careful handling throughout their lifecycle. If you think an item might be hazardous, check the label. Many HHW products are labeled with the type of hazard (flammable, reactive, corrosive, or toxic) and the threat level (caution, warning, danger, poison). Carefully follow all labeled instructions for use, storage, and disposal.
Store HHW products in their original containers and do not remove their labels. If a container is corroding, call your local HHW facility or fire department for instructions on how to handle it.
Don’t mix HHW with other products either, as they may react dangerously. You also may not be able to recycle HHW if it was mixed with something else.
Why Does Household Hazardous Waste Have to Be Disposed of Differently?
HHW can pose a variety of threats if not managed and disposed of properly. It can pollute the environment, harming plants and poisoning animals. It can harm sanitation and waste workers. If flushed down a drain, it can contaminate septic tanks and wastewater treatment systems. HHW is also a danger to children and pets if not stored and managed safely. Some HHW products can even cause fires and explosions. To protect people, animals, property, and the environment, all HHW should be disposed of through an official HHW management program.
Where to Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste in East Central Minnesota
Every county in Minnesota has a household hazardous waste program, and many have year-round collection facilities.
Contact LePage & Sons with Questions
Not sure what to do with your hazardous waste? Wondering what qualifies as hazardous? The customer service team at LePage & Sons is happy to advise you. Just call our office in Bethel, MN, at 763.757.7100. We take pride in helping our neighbors manage their waste responsibly and in protecting the communities we all share.
