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What are household hazardous wastes?  When leftover paint, used oil, pool chemicals, or any other product containing potentially dangerous materials are thrown away, they become "household hazardous wastes."

Household hazardous waste is any material discarded from homes that may threaten human health or the environment when disposed of improperly. Californians throw away tons of hazardous waste in trash cans or down the drains each year. Many of these chemicals are so corrosive they can destroy steel or plastic containers and seep into groundwater supplies. Potential hazardous chemicals found in materials are:

• Toxic:  Poisonous or lethal when ingested, touched or inhaled, even in small quantities (i.e., rat poison, cleaning fluids, pesticides, bleach.)
• Flammable & Explosive:  Easily ignites (i.e., lighter fluid, spot and paint removers).
• Corrosive:  Eats away materials and living tissue by chemical action (i.e., oven and toilet bowl cleaners).
• Reactive:  Creates an explosion or produces deadly vapors (i.e., bleach mixed with ammonia-based cleaners).
• Explosive: May react violently when exposed to heat or or other substances; may also be toxic to humans or other living things.

Words to watch for on labels include:

• "Danger" or "poison" which refer to hazardous or highly toxic products.
• "Caution" and "Warning" are often used interchangeably and mean that the product is less hazardous but sill presents potential health hazards.

What are the Hazards?

Improper handling or disposal of hazardous chemicals can result in serious accidents:

• Children can be seriously harmed by drinking, eating, touching, or breathing toxic chemicals.
• Refuse haulers and disposal site workers can be injured by exploding aerosol cans, splashing chemicals, or poisonous fumes created by mixed chemicals.
• Firefighters can be injured by these chemicals when responding to a fire.
• Groundwater used for drinking or irrigation can be contaminated when waste products are poured onto or seep into the ground.
• Bacteria needed to break down sewer and septic tank wastes can be destroyed by untreated hazardous wastes.

Household hazardous waste should never be thrown into the trash, washed down the drain, or poured onto the ground. Improper handling or disposal of hazardous chemicals can result in serious accidents.

How Do I Avoid Accidents?

• Never leave hazardous household products within reach of children.
• Buy products with less-harmful ingredients (read the labels).
• Do  not dispose of products in the trash, on the ground, or in storm drains.
• Do not remove labels, and do not remove products from their original containers.
• Do not refill empty containers unless the label recommends it.

How Do I Handle Household Hazardous Waste?

Reduce by purchasing only the amount you need.

Reuse the products by donating unused portions to friends, community organizations, or take them to our Household Hazardous Waste Consolidation Facility in Stockton. The products will be made available to the public for FREE. Just ask to see the Reuse Room!

Recycle by taking products such as used motor oil, batteries, and latex paint to a recycling center.

If any products cannot be reused, recycled, or properly disposed of in your trash, store them safely in their original containers away from food, pets, and children, then take them to the Household Hazardous Waste Consolidation Facility.

Examples of Household Hazardous Waste

In the Home

Household cleaners can contain chemicals that are toxic, corrosive, and sometimes flammable.

In the Garage

Aside from choosing water-based paint over solvent-based paint, or using elbow grease rather than paint stripper.  Hazardous auto and paint products in general, have few known alternatives. However, some of these products such as latex paint, motor oil, anti-freeze, and auto batteries can be recycled.

Paint products can contain chemicals that are toxic and flammable.

• Enamel or oil-based paint
• Latex or water-based paint
• Furniture stripper
• Paint stripper
• Rust prevention products
• Stain
• Varnish
• Thinner, solvent, and turpentine
• Wood preservative

Automotive products can contain chemicals that are toxic, corrosive, and flammable.

• Anti-freeze
• Motor oil
• Auto and motorcycle batteries
• Car wax
• Engine cleaner and degreaser
• Gasoline and diesel fuel
• Kerosene
• Auto paint and primer
• Transmission fluid
• Brake fluid
• Power steering fluid

In and Around the Yard

Most households also employ a variety of hazardous products in their yards, especially their garden areas. Less-toxic alternatives are available for many of the fertilizers and pesticides listed below. Check out our BUGS (Beneficial Urban Garden Strategies) book for extensive less-toxic or natural remedies and tips for garden pests and weeds.

Pesticide and garden products can contain chemicals that are toxic and sometimes flammable.

• Chemical fertilizer
• Fungicide
• Herbicide and weed killer
• Insecticide or bug killer
• Flea collars, sprays, and bombs
• Rodent poisons
• Roach and ant killers
• Snail and slug bait

Pool and hobby products can contain chemicals that are Toxic, Explosive, and Corrosive.

• Artist and model paint
• Firearm cleaning solvent
• Photographic chemicals
• Solvent-based glue
• Pool chemicals, including disinfectants and PH balancing chemicals

San Joaquin County Department of Public Works
Solid Waste Division

Last updated 03/21/2008