Household Hazardous Waste
Virtually all households have some household hazardous waste (HHW). HHW is generally defined as a household waste that is toxic, flammable, reactive or corrosive. Common HHW includes oil-based paints, thinners, pool chemicals, pesticides, mercury fever thermometers, and gasoline. Household hazardous waste collection programs provide an opportunity to manage these wastes in an environmentally safe manner. Since the first collection in 1984 in Ridgefield, HHW programs have grown dramatically. Collections are available for nearly every resident, and on average, over 30,000 state residents participate in a HHW collection each year.
Note: Medicines cannot be brought to Household Hazardous Waste collections. Some towns or pharmacies occasionally offer special collections where residents can bring prescription medicines, veterinary medicines and over-the-counter products. But they are not regularly scheduled and are sometimes limited to residents of the sponsoring town. If you cannot bring your medicines to a special collection, the best way to dispose of medicines and OTC products, is to follow the disposal instructions and put them in the trash.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Schedule
Household Alternatives for a Safer Environment
Household Hazardous Materials - A Guide for Citizens The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers this web-based course to introduce you to household hazardous materials and things you can do to protect yourself and your family from injury or death. A certificate will be issued if you pass the final exam with 75% or better.
Information for Businesses, Vendors and Municipalities
Bringing Small Business Hazardous Waste to Household Hazardous Waste Collections
Household Hazardous Waste Vendors
Reporting Form for HHW and CESQG Collections
Content Last Updated on April 8, 2009
