With Hazardous Household Waste!

 

WHAT IS HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE?
Household hazardous wastes (HHW) are materials which by chemical nature, can be a potential health risk to people and the environment.

Solvent based paints, pesticides, waste oils, cleaners, solvents, batteries, lawn chemicals, polishes.... these are all examples of household materials that could be hazardous to the environment if used, stored, or disposed of improperly.

In NSW alone around 30,000 children under the age of three are poisoned in the home annually. (1996 NSW Poison Information Centre Annual Report)

Hazardous Chemicals are not safe to be left around the home or shed. Responsible storage handling and disposal is worth it!

To find out how to safely recycle or dispose of unwanted household hazardous waste click to find out the services available within your council area

Due to the often infrequent nature of their use, the materials are usually left to accumulate in garages under laundry sinks and in cupboards.
The danger to your environment is greatest when it comes time to dispose of such materials.


You cannot treat household hazardous wastes like other kinds of garbage because:
1. Buried wastes can filter down into the soil
2. Wastes can clog storm water drains and overburden septic systems
3. Plumbing systems can be harmed by corrosive chemicals
4. Pouring household hazardous wastes into the ground can poison soils, plants and water for a long time The disposal of industrial hazardous wastes is government controlled and regulated, but when it comes to the home, you must take the responsibility.
Take some special care when you buy, use or dispose of potentially hazardous household wastes. Look for the words CAUSTIC, TOXIC, POISON OR CORROSIVE.
Apply 3R's to HHW Non Toxic alt's
 HHW FAQ