Many common household items, such as cleaners, oils, batteries and pesticides contain hazardous components. Labels that read danger, warning, caution, toxic, corrosive, flammable or poison identify products that might contain hazardous materials. Leftover portions of these products are called Household Hazardous Waste (HHW).  According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average home can accumulate as much as 100 pounds of HHW in the basement, garage, and in storage closets. Nationwide, Americans generate 1.6 million tons of HHW per year.

Why is it Dangerous?

If these items are stored or disposed of improperly, they can be dangerous to you, your family, sanitation workers, pets, wildlife, and the environment. Many compounds alter with age, and can give off dangerous fumes. Other items pose little risk in small quantities, but present a significant health risk when concentrated in larger quantites, or when combined with other compounds.

Pouring these items down the drain or into the street brings the compounds into our nation's waterways via sewer and storm drains, streams, lakes and oceans. Marine life and other animals that depend on these waterways for survival end up ingesting these toxins and chemicals. Not only does this endanger the lives of our wildlife, but it also brings these compounds into our food chain.

What You Can Do?

The best way to handle HHW is to reduce the amount initially generated. When you buy products that are considered hazardous, buy only the amount you will use. If you have leftover products, try to give them to someone else to use. Some neighborhood groups sponsor free product exchanges that enable neighbors to share and reuse paint, cleaning agents, lawn and garden chemicals, etc. Learn about more helpful tips for managing and reducing your household hazardous waste.

If you are unable to reuse your HHW, Denver residents are eligible to participate in a household hazardous waste collection program.