Household Hazardous Waste

Many common household items that one might not initially consider as household hazardous waste (HHW) actually are. For example, paints, motor oil, household cleaners, fireworks and pesticides fall into that category.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Americans generate 1.6 million tons of HHW per year and the average U.S. household generates more than 20 pounds of HHW annually. When not properly disposed of, these products can be harmful to the environment. Dumping them down the drain can potentially cause damage to drain pipes which could require expensive repairs in addition to contaminating groundwater supplies. And putting them in the trash can for garbage pickup can be extremely dangerous if they are, or become, ignitable, corrosive, explosive and/or reactive, toxic or radioactive.

To help prevent HHW from causing damage to the environment, many communities have established hazardous waste facilities and hold several collection events throughout the year for the public. Floridians have ample opportunities to take their HHW items to one of many designated facilities for proper disposal – free of charge. Remember, by properly disposing of our waste today, future Floridians will be less apt to have to clean up the messes left by this generation.

On September 22 in Tallahassee, the Florida Department of Protection and the Southern Waste Information Exchange, Inc. (SWIX) have partnered for an Ammunitions Collection Event at Kevin’s Guns & Sporting Goods on September 22, 2007. Old and unwanted ammunition along with fireworks and flares will be collected from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. During last year’s event more than 1,800 pounds of old and/or unwanted ammunition were collected.

To find a HHW facility in your area, visit www.Earth911.org . For more information visit DEP’s HHW program.