Household Hazardous Wastes

Leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients are considered to be "household hazardous waste" or "HHW." Certain types of HHW have the potential to cause physical injury to sanitation workers, contaminate septic tanks or wastewater treatment systems if poured down drains or toilets, and present hazards to children and pets if left around the house.

Improper disposal of household hazardous wastes can include pouring them down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers or putting them out with the trash. The dangers of such disposal methods might not be immediately obvious, but improper disposal of these wastes can pollute the environment and pose a threat to human health.

Thousands of consumer products are hazardous, but for ease of remembering, they can be broken into the following general categories:

Automotive products

• Gasoline
• Motor Oil
• Antifreeze
• Windshield Wiper Fluid
• Car Wax and Cleaners
• Lead-acid Batteries 
• Brake Fluid
• Transmission Fluid
• Automotive Parts

Home improvement products

• Paint
• Varnish
• Stain
• Paint Thinner 
• Paint Stripper 
• Caulk Adhesives
• Steel Fence Posts

Pesticides

• Insecticide and Insect Repellent
• Weed Killer
• Rat and Mouse Poison
• Pet Spray and Dip
• Flea Collars
• Mothballs 
• Disinfectant
• Wood Preservative
• Household cleaners
• Furniture Polish and Wax 
• Drain Opener 
• Oven Cleaner 
• Tub and Tile Cleaner 
• Toilet Bowl Cleaner
• Spot Remover 
• Bleach
• Ammonia

Other

• Gas or Oil Tanks
• Household Batteries 
• Cosmetics 
• Pool Chemicals 
• Shoe Polish 
• Lighter Fluid 
• Prescription
• Medicines

Click here for Disposal Options at TOX Drop Locations