North Americans generate over 1.76 million tons (over 3.5 billion pounds) of hazardous household waste (HHW) each year. Although it makes up a very small percentage of the waste stream, it causes a large part of the environmental damage that occurs in waste handling and disposal.
- Aerosol Cans,
- Antifreeze,
- Batteries,
- Cleaning Products,
- Cosmetics,
- Household insecticides,
- Lawn & Garden Care Products,
- Medicine
- Motor Oil,
- Paints and Solvents, (latex paint can safely be put in the garbage if it’s dry or solidified first. Residents should dry out latex paint and put it in the garbage container)
- Care Products,
- Pesticides, Herbicides, Fungicides
- Pharmaceuticals,
- Propane Cylinders
- Other miscellaneous materials.
HHW’s are sometimes disposed of improperly by individuals pouring wastes down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers, or putting them out with the garbage. The best strategy for us is to avoid hazardous materials if possible. If you can’t avoid using some hazardous products, safe disposal is very important – these materials should NEVER be put in the garbage or down the drain. Bring hazardous waste from your home to the Snohomish Household Hazardous Waste Facility.
Here is some information from the United States Environmental Protection Agency on Hazardous Waste:http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/househld/hhw.html
To dispose of your Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) products, keep them in their orginal container if possible, or drain into a container with a secure lid for safe transporting to a drop-off site.
DO:
• Keep HHW products separate (do not mix).
• Bring products in their original containers when possible.
• Seal products to prevent leaks and spills.
• Keep products away from the driver and passengers, i.e., in a trunk, truck bed, or trailer.
• Keep children and pets away from collection sites and events.
DO NOT bring:
- Asbestos
- Business-generated waste
- Electonics
- Empty or leaking containers
- Explosives or ammunition (call local police department)
- Medical waste
- Medicice or pharmaceuticals
- Microwave ovens
- Non-hazardous materials
- Radioactive or infectious waste
- Refrigerator or Freezers
- Unlabelled
A complete list of restricted items here: https://snohomishcountywa.gov/2550/Waste-Restrictions
Here is some information from the United States Environmental Protection Agency on Hazardous Waste: http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/househld/hhw.html
