Over 40 million tons of hazardous waste is produced in the United States each year. A large propostion of this is produced in residential properties.

WHAT IS HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE?

If you walk around your garage, kitchen, bathroom, or workshop, you’ll probably find hazardous materials or products you and your family use on a daily basis. Hazardous materials that expired and/or can no longer be used for various reasons become household hazardous waste. Household Hazardous Waste includes household cleaners (including detergent) and polish, motor oils, gasoline, paints, paint thinners, construction supplies, herbicides and pesticides. Household Hazardous waste may pose a threat to human health or the environment if it is not disposed of properly.

WHY IS HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE REDUCTION IMPORTANT?

Hazardous materials are found in almost every home. Household Hazardous Waste and other hazardous materials that are not handled properly at home can be dangerous, especially to young children and pets. If Household Hazardous Wastes are not disposed of properly and are thrown away with the garbage, trash haulers and sanitation workers can be injured from explosions, fumes, or fires. If the Household Hazardous Wastes are dumped on the ground or poured into sinks and sewers, they can be washed into streams, lakes, and rivers. Plants and animals that live in or near the streams, lakes, and rivers can also be harmed from the Household Hazardous Wastes in the water, and clean up of some materials are very expensive and in some cases, not possible.

By implementing a Hazardous Waste program the Environmental Programs Department (EPD) educates the community on proper identification, storage and reduction of use of hazardous chemical products. Through outreach and education Tribal members will also receive information that will include alternatives to hazardous products, how to properly dispose, and local facilities for recycling of these products. The EPD also assists in the coordination of emergency response to Hazardous Waste incidences on Tribal lands.