What are Household hazardous waste?

What is household hazardous waste?

• Answer:

  "Leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients are considered to be household hazardous waste," according to the Environmental Protection Agency. These products are commonly found in many of today's homes.IdentificationA household product is identified as hazardous if it is flammable, explosive, corrosive or toxic when ingested, inhaled or absorbed by the skin. Some toxic commodities are carcinogenic and pose a threat to unborn babies.Signal WordsManufacturers are required by federal law to put signal words on their labels. The word "danger" or "poison" signifies that the product is highly hazardous, while "warning" or "caution" indicates that the commodity is slightly or moderately dangerous.TypesCommon household hazardous products include many automotive commodities, weed killers, pesticides, home-improvement merchandise, household cleaners and even batteries.DisposalWhen disposed of through the regular waste stream, hazardous materials pose a danger to public safety and the environment. If disposal is the only option, take these products to a hazardous-waste collection center.ConsiderationsThe University of Missouri Extension recommends that individuals read product labels and then purchase merchandise that is the least hazardous. Try to acquire only the amount that is needed and look for safer alternatives.Source:http://www.epa.gov/wastes/conserve/materials/hhw.htmhttp://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=WM6003http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=WM6004More Information:http://extension.missouri.edu/owm/hhw.htm