Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) is a type of garbage that is dangerous to human health and the environment. Examples of HHW include batteries, cleaning agents, pesticides, oil-based paints, and fluorescent light bulbs. These items should not be disposed of in the regular trash or recycling bin, as they can contaminate the soil and water, harm wildlife, and pose health risks to people. In this article, we’ll explore how to properly dispose of household hazardous waste to ensure the safety of ourselves and the environment.
Identify HHW Items in Your Home
The first step in properly disposing of HHW is to identify the items in your home that fall under this category. Check your garage, basement, kitchen, and bathroom for products that have warning labels or contain words such as “danger,” “warning,” or “caution.” Some examples of HHW items include aerosol cans, batteries, cleaners, pesticides, oil-based paints, and fluorescent light bulbs. Make a list of these items and set them aside for proper disposal.
Check for Community HHW Disposal Programs
Many communities have HHW disposal programs that allow residents to dispose of these items safely and responsibly. Check with your local government or waste management agency to find out if there are any programs in your area. Some cities and towns have drop-off locations or events where residents can bring their HHW items for free or for a small fee. Others may offer curbside pickup for certain items, such as batteries or fluorescent bulbs. Make sure to check the guidelines for each program to ensure that you’re following the proper procedures.
Follow Proper Storage and Transportation Guidelines
When storing and transporting HHW items, it’s important to follow proper guidelines to prevent spills and accidents. Keep these items in their original containers, or if the container is damaged or leaking, transfer the contents to a new container that is clearly labeled. Keep HHW items in a cool, dry place away from heat sources, sparks, or flames. When transporting these items, make sure they are securely packed in your vehicle to prevent spills or leaks. If you’re transporting items in your trunk, make sure to place them in a secure container to prevent them from rolling around.
Visit Your City’s Website to Find the Guidelines
When disposing of HHW items, it’s important to follow the guidelines provided by your community HHW program. Some items, such as batteries and fluorescent bulbs, can be dropped off at specific locations or picked up during curbside pickup. Other items, such as oil-based paints or pesticides, may require a special disposal process. Some communities have HHW events where residents can bring their items for disposal, while others may require an appointment to dispose of certain items. It’s important to follow the guidelines provided by your community to ensure that you’re disposing of HHW items safely and responsibly.
Consider Alternatives to HHW Items
One way to reduce the amount of HHW in your home is to consider alternative products that are less hazardous. For example, instead of using chemical cleaners, you could use vinegar and baking soda for cleaning. Instead of oil-based paints, you could use water-based paints. By making these small changes, you can reduce your exposure to hazardous chemicals and help to protect the environment.
BG’s Big Box Service
Properly disposing of household hazardous waste is essential for the safety of ourselves and the environment. By 
identifying HHW items in our homes, checking for community HHW disposal programs, following proper storage and transportation guidelines, and disposing of HHW items properly, we can reduce the risks associated with these items. Additionally, by considering alternative products that are less hazardous, we can further reduce our exposure to hazardous chemicals and contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.
At BG’s Big Box Service in Sun Valley, CA, we are happy to discuss your needs for disposing of wastes or if you need to rent a dumpster for a project that needs trash disposal. We have a variety of dumpsters which we will drop off at your location and pick up when you’re done. Give us a call today at 818-504-8116 to discuss your needs with our friendly staff. We proudly serve clients in Los Angeles County, Ventura County, and San Fernando Valley.