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List of Household Hazardous Waste

You may not think of your home as a place where hazardous waste is generated, but some of the products that we use to clean our homes, repair vehicles and power our portable devices are actually hazardous materials that must be disposed of properly. The items that you have in your home can present a problem for disposal because they contain hazardous chemicals, may be flammable or are reactive and could explode.

  1. Cleaning Products

    • The products that you use to keep your home clean and sanitary can present a problem when it is time to dispose of leftover materials. Cleaning products that contain corrosive, toxic or flammable materials are considered hazardous waste, according the Environmental Protection Agency. Each cleaning product should be labeled with the list of ingredients and the method for proper disposal. The community that you live in may also have regulations regarding the disposal of household cleaners and hazardous waste.

    Batteries

    • The batteries that you use to power your MP3 player or remote control contain heavy metals. Heavy metals pollute the environment if they are not disposed of properly. Mercury, lead, nickel and cadmium are examples of the materials contained in household batteries.

      Automotive batteries may be recycled, which greatly reduces the amount of pollution that they create. When you buy a new battery for your vehicle, you will have an opportunity to turn in your old battery, which will be recycled.

    Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

    • While compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) may be an energy-saving product for home use, they do present an environmental hazard when disposed of or broken. Compact fluorescent light bulbs contain mercury, a toxic heavy metal. Consumers should learn the proper procedure for cleaning a broken compact fluorescent light bulb and for their disposal. Some states or communities have information available for consumers on the safe disposal of these light bulbs.

    Cosmetic Products

    • Hair coloring products, hair permanents, hair sprays, nail polish and nail polish remover are some examples of cosmetic products that create hazardous waste. Consumers can find information in their community for the safe disposal of these products.

    Insecticides and Pesticides

    • Using insecticide products in the home creates a hazardous waste. Insecticides such as bug spray, flea collars, flea medication and sprays and bug bombs are hazardous materials used in the home. Pesticides include items such as rat and mice poisons used to rid the home of rodents and other pests.

    Medications and Medical Waste

    • Prescription medications can be very dangerous if leftover drugs are not disposed of properly. Used bandages, discarded needles and gloves that you use to treat your medical condition create a hazardous waste and must be disposed of in a safe manner.

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