Do's and Dont's of Handling Household Hazardous Waste

​Common household products containing hazardous materials can pose a threat to humans and the environment when handled or disposed of improperly.

Here are some important dos and don’ts of household hazardous waste handling.
​
DO:
- Handle all substances gently, especially if you do not know what it is.
- Follow directions carefully when using any products, hazardous ones especially!
- Always read labels before you buy a product to be sure it will meet your needs.
- Keep all of your chemicals, cleaners, and other hazardous materials in their original packaging!
- Keep substances out of reach of children and pets, and away from any heat sources or open flames.
- Wear gloves and protective clothing to prevent any skin contact.
- Buy less hazardous products whenever possible.
DON'T:
- Never mix materials or wastes together.
- Never dump toxic materials into a septic system, onto the lawn, or into the storm sewer.
- Never breathe fumes from any materials, especially toxic ones.
- Never bury or burn hazardous household waste materials.

Keep in mind that you can bring old or unused household hazardous waste (HHW) materials to the KC Recycling Depot or your local household hazardous waste facility for recycling/disposal.

Common examples of HHW include acids, aerosols, bleach, cleaners, polishers, disinfectants, motor oil, antifreeze, gasoline, kerosene, batteries, mercury, paint, pesticides, herbicides, and solvents.

Any chemicals brought to the KC Recycling Depot must be in their ORIGINAL packaging, or we will be unable to accept.

When traveling with HHW materials, be sure to keep them from spilling or mixing in any way - dangerous chemical reactions can occur.
​
Have questions about household hazardous waste safe handling procedures?
Have questions about any HHW materials accepted at the KC Recycling Depot?
Please reach out to us or your local HHW facility!

Want More?

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date!