• Americans generate 1.6 million tons of household hazardous waste per year.

• The average home can accumulate as much as 100 pounds of    household hazardous waste in the basement and garage     and in storage closets.

Household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients are considered to be "household hazardous waste" or "HHW." Products, such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, and pesticides that contain potentially hazardous ingredients require special care when you dispose of them.

Improper disposal of household hazardous wastes can include pouring them down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers, or in some cases 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.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycling, and Disposal Options

The following information can help you determine the best ways to reduce, reuse, or dispose of common household products that may contain hazardous ingredients.

Reduction at Home

Consider reducing your purchase of products that contain hazardous ingredients. Learn about the use of alternative methods or products—without hazardous ingredients—for some common household needs.

Disposal Options

Certain types of household hazardous wastes 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. Even empty containers of household hazardous waste can pose hazards because of the residual chemicals that might remain.

Opportunities

To avoid the potential risks associated with household hazardous wastes, it is important that people always monitor the use, storage, and disposal of products with potentially hazardous substances in their homes. Below are some tips for individuals to follow in their own homes:

• Use and store products containing hazardous substances carefully to prevent any accidents at home. Never store hazardous products in food containers; keep them in their original containers and never remove labels. Corroding containers, however, require special handling.

• When leftovers remain, never mix household hazardous waste with other products. Incompatible products might react, ignite, or explode, and contaminated household hazardous waste might become unrecyclable.

• Remember to follow any instructions for use and disposal provided on product labels.

• Call your local environmental, health, or solid waste agency for instructions on proper use and disposal and to learn about local HHW drop off programs and upcoming collection days.

Information: www.epa.gov, 2003.