Paints, pesticides, propane cylinders and all types of batteries - These are some examples of household hazardous waste that are used daily by many people. These products contain toxic ingredients and should be handled with care when they are being used and also during disposal. The average household produces a large amount of toxic waste every year. This adds greatly to the waste disposal problem. Hazardous wastes include those that are:

Corrosive -- such as car battery acid and drain cleaners that eat and wear away at many materials and that can injure the skin.

Flammable -- vapours and liquids that can ignite, such as lighter fluid, turpentine, gasoline and kerosene.

Explosive -- aerosol containers that may explode if incinerated or stored above 50 degrees C. Ensure that containers are empty before discarding.

Poisonous -- materials that may be harmful or lethal to you, your children and your pets. Some rat poisons, potent medicines, cleaning fluids and pesticides can be particularly lethal.

Hazardous materials should never be poured down the drain, on the land or into sewers. Sewerage treatment plants are designed to break down biological, not chemical waste. Pouring toxics, such as used motor oil or turpentine, down a storm sewer creates an even greater problem since they go directly into the rivers, pollute our beaches and contaminate our drinking water. Hazardous waste should not go out with your regular garbage. These items are not only harmful to the environment, but could cause serious injury to sanitation workers.
 

Did You Know?

Many cleaning products are also defined as household hazardous wastes and should be used with caution. For example:

What You Can Do

Use a hazardous product sparingly. Buy only as much as is needed. Give any leftover products to a friend or organization that can make use of it.