Some items do not belong in the trash.  Household hazardous waste (HHW) is any substance containing ingredients that have a reasonably anticipated outcome of negatively affecting an individual's safety or health or harming the environment.  Typically, HHW is identified with labels like Poison, Danger, Warning Caution, Toxic, Reactive, Flammable, Corrosive, Explosive or Irritant.  

The EPA estimates that Americans generate 1.6 million pounds of HHW per year.  The average home can have up to 100 pounds of HHW stored in sheds, garages and under sinks.  When HHW is poured down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers or just placed in the garbage, the dangers are sometimes not immediate; they can cause violent chemical reactions and could cause a fire.  When certain chemicals are poured down the drain they impact the wastewater treatment systems resulting in improper or incomplete treatment.  Chemicals placed in the trash can effect municipal lakes and even long-term groundwater supplies.  Most people have experienced a leaking container of something, which can be a hazard to children and pets.

The HPCC can take products such as wood stains, bleach, antifreeze, insecticides, paint, herbicides, drain cleaners and much more.

For information, contact 480-858-2223 or email HPCC.