What Is Household Hazardous Waste?
Every household produces some amount of hazardous waste. Certain leftover household items are considered hazardous because they have dangerous characteristics, and as such, have to be disposed of properly. Does this Spark an idea?
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Definition
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Household Hazardous Waste contains toxic risk. The term Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) is associated with leftover household products that contain toxic, ignitable and reactive ingredients.
EPA Regulation
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Labeled recycling facility. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not regulate HHW and federal law allows HHW to be disposed of in the trash. However, for public health safety, many communities' solid waste management departments fund a year-round collection facility and hold special collection days where HHW is collected.
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Category
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Certain household hazardous waste is flammable. HHW items are categorized as flammables (paints), corrosives (batteries), toxics (poisons),or oxidizers (chemicals). Certain types of medical waste is also considered HHW, including prescription drugs and used syringes.
Proper Management
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To avoid polluting the environment and endangering human health, the EPA encourages the reduction and recycling of HHW to conserve energy and resources. Disposal of HHW in drains and storm sewers is considered improper.
Examples
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Batteries are a household hazardous waste item. Household hazardous waste items include paints, petroleum based products, polishes, batteries, drain clog remover, pesticides, gardening chemicals, pool chemicals, hydrogen peroxide, propane, antifreeze, motor oil and smoke detectors.
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References
- Photo Credit recycle icon image by onlinebewerbung.de from Fotolia.com Toxic hazard flag image by Stasys Eidiejus from Fotolia.com containers image by AGITA LEIMANE from Fotolia.com Flammable image by Jauhari Subhi from Fotolia.com battery image by Aditia Patria Warman from Fotolia.com
