HAZARDOUS
What every resident should know about the contents of their home.
Americans generate 1.6 million tons of household hazardous waste per year. The average home can accumulate as much as 100 pounds in the basement, garage, or storage closets. When improperly disposed of, household hazardous waste can create a potential risk to people and the environment.
What is household hazardous waste?
Household hazardous waste includes cleaners, stains, varnishes, batteries, automotive fluids, pesticides, herbicides, certain paints, and many other items found in basements, under kitchen sinks, and dark garage corners.
How can household hazardous waste be identified?
Household hazardous waste fall into one of four categories, which are shown here.
Flammable - Ignites easily and burns rapidly
Corrosive - May cause deterioration of body tissues or erosion of material at the site of contact
Explosive - Contents may explode if incinerated or stored above 82 degrees
Toxic/Poison - Harmful or deadly upon contact, ingestion or inhalation.
