How to Dispose Of Household Hazardous Waste in The Buffalo NY Area

How to Dispose Of Household Hazardous Waste in The Buffalo NY Area

Many household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients are considered to be household hazardous waste or also known as HHW. Products, such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, and pesticides that contain potentially hazardous ingredients require special care when you dispose of them.

Improper disposal of HHW can include pouring them down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers, or in some cases putting them out with the trash. The dangers of such disposal methods might not be immediately obvious, but improper disposal of these wastes can pollute the environment by ending up in natural waterways and pose a threat to human health. Many communities in the United States offer a variety of options for conveniently and safely managing HHW.

How to Dispose Of Household Hazardous Waste in The Buffalo NY Area:

To dispose household hazardous waste in the Buffalo NY area contact Hazman

How to Minimize Hazardous Waste in Your Buffalo NY Home

1. Use safer alternatives.

2. Read labels before purchasing. Watch for the words "caution," "warning," and "danger." Follow label directions.

3. Buy only what you need and will use up.

4. If you do have products left over, give them to friends, neighbors, or charitable institutions to use up.

5. Take unwanted products to a hazardous waste collection site.

How to Handel Hazardous in you Buffalo NY area Home

The following chart prepared by the Water Pollution Control Federation will help you establish the most effective means of disposing of typical hazardous wastes used around your home or garden.

BLUE DOTS Indicate products which can be poured down the drain with plenty of water. If you have a septic tank, additional caution should be exercise when dumping these items down the drain. In fact, there are certain chemical substances that cannot be used with a septic tank. Read the labels to determine if a product could damage the septic tank.

YELLOW DIAMOND Indicate materials which cannot be poured down the drain, but can be safely disposed of in a sanitary landfill. Be certain the material is properly contained before it is put out for collection or carried to the landfill.

RED BOX Indicate hazardous wastes which should be saved for a community wide collection day or given to a licensed hazardous wastes contractor. (Even the empty containers should be taken to a licensed contractor if one is available.)

GREEN PACKAGES Indicate recyclable material. If there is a recycling program in your area, take the materials there. If not, encourage local officials to start such program. For more information on the safest way to dispose of these and other products contact your state's solid and hazardous waste department or the United States Environmental.