Hazardous and Universal Wastes
Hazardous waste presents immediate and long-term threats to us as well as our environment.
According to the EPA:
- Americans generate 1.6 million tons of HHW per year
- The average home can accumulate as much as 100 pounds of HHW in the basement and
garage and in storage closets
For more information see
EPA Hazardous Waste Reduction PDF
and some alternatives
EPA Alternatives.
Please help us remove these items from the waste stream.
Visit our
Household Hazardous Waste Facility
main page to find out how you can help.
What is hazardous waste?
Hazardous waste is legally defined as any discarded solid or liquid that:
|
Definition
|
Example
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Contains one or more of 39 compounds
at levels that exceed established limits
|
- solvents
- pesticides
- paint strippers
|
|
Catches fire easily
|
|
Is reactive or unstable enough
to explode or release toxic fumes
- TV's and computer monitors
|
- acids
- bases
- ammonia
- chlorine bleach
|
Is capable of corroding metal containers
such as tanks, drums and barrels
|
- industrial cleaning agents
- oven cleaners
- drain cleaners
|
What are universal wastes?
Universal waste is a form of hazardous waste, but they are not as volatile. Examples:
- Florescent bulbs and lamps
- Mercury-containing items such as thermostats, switches and relays
- Electronic waste such as computers, stereos, radios and telephone components, microwaves,
cell phones
- Any item containing metals like copper, lead, cadmium or chromium
- Batteries (all types)
- Transformers and ballast - PCB's