Household Hazardous Waste, or HHW, is any chemical or product that can cause serious illness or pose an environmental or health threat if improperly stored, transported or disposed of. When hazardous waste is disposed of in the trash, down the drain, or on the ground, our water and soils can be contaminated or trash collectors can be harmed. Most products labeled dangerous, flammable, poison, combustible and corrosive are considered hazardous waste.
Examples of Household Hazardous Waste:
Automotive:
- Auto batteries
- Antifreeze
- Oils/Filters
- Tires
Lawn and Garden:
- Fertilizers
- Lighter Fluid
- Pesticides
- Pool chemicals
Household Items:
- Aerosol cans
- Batteries (non-alkaline)
- Cleaners
- Fluorescent bulbs
- Furniture polish
- Needles/syringes/lancets
- Nail polish
- Propane/compressed gas cylinders
Home Improvement:
- Driveway sealer
- Paint
- Paint remover/stripper/thinner
- Solvents
Special Disposal for Household Hazardous Waste:
- Keep it out of the drains, storm sewers, and off the ground. Chemicals disposed of through these methods can pollute rivers, lakes and aquifers.
- Keep it out of the trash. Hazardous products can cause a problem for waste haulers and at waste facilities.
If you can't use up household hazardous chemicals or give them to someone who will, take the items to The Recycling Zone, Dakota County's recycling facility in Eagan, MN. Residents can bring household hazardous waste to be properly disposed of at The Recycling Zone for free.