Recycling
Household Hazardous Waste
What is Household Hazardous Waste?
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) refers to unwanted domestic products which are or can be toxic or dangerous to human health or the environment.
Environmental Impact
It only takes a single gram of mercury to contaminate an 8-hectare lake to the point where the fish are inedible for a whole year.
Best Practice Examples
Household Education – Use alternative non-toxic products (e.g. water-based paints, pumps/spray bottles, baking soda and vinegar to clean); Use up all products and follow directions to avoid waste and prevent injury;
Store Safely – Never transfer products to another container or mix; keep original container and label; Follow instructions on label;
Disposal – Separate HHW from garbage – take medical waste to the clinic/nursing station; check for disposal options at the Regional transfer station; some product stewards offer annual round-ups of HHW