Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) is typically comprised of unused household products that may explode, catch fire, or be generally harmful to the environment if not properly disposed. Some examples of HHW are paint, pesticides, pool chemicals, drain cleaners, batteries, and motor oil. For a more complete description of HHW, check out our HHW explainer. The following list includes some general guidelines for reducing the environmental risks associated with the use of these materials:

• When purchasing paint, pesticides, pool cleaners, etc., try to avoid buying more materials than are necessary to complete the job
• Avoid mixing leftover HHW materials with other products
• Check product labels for safety and handling instructions
• Consider donating unused HHW materials to local organizations

For more specific information regarding the safe handling and disposal of HHW, we’ve provided a section below with frequently asked questions you may find helpful. And you can always access our search toll by clicking the magnifying glass icon in the top right corner of the page.

Frequently Asked Questions