The chemicals in improperly disposed hazardous waste are released into the environment and may contaminate our air, water or even possibly the food that we eat. For example, hazardous chemicals poured down the drain could contaminate septic tanks or affect wastewater treatment systems.

Also, by throwing hazardous waste in the trash, you could cause harm since pollutants can leak even from closed containers into the landfill and escape into the ecosystem.

Proper disposal of hazardous household waste (HHW) could also help to improve your home air quality. Waste that is potentially harmful to humans or the environment should be stored in a well-ventilated area safely out of reach of children. These products include paint, pesticides and cleaners among other things. They are ignitable, corrosive, reactive or toxic in nature. Regulations to protect public health and clean air have been changing.

We now know that some common items that traditionally had been thrown in the trash cannot be safely disposed of in landfills. Some of these common items are referred to as hazardous waste and others as "universal waste" (u-waste) such as batteries, fluorescent lamps and some electronics. As of February 9, 2006, all "u-waste" items have been banned from the trash.

Household hazardous waste must be disposed of through a legitimate Household Hazardous Waste Program. Your area may offer either hazardous waste collection days or permanent locations where drop offs are always welcome. Visit Earth 911 to find convenient disposal locations by ZIP code for various material types.