What Is Household Hazardous Waste?
Some jobs around the home may require the use of products
containing hazardous components. Such products may include paints,
cleaners, stains, varnishes, batteries, oil and agricultural chemicals. The
used or remaining contents of these products may be "household
hazardous waste" when disposed. When improperly disposed, household hazardous waste can
create a risk to human health and the environment.
Household waste is exempt from the North Dakota Hazardous Waste Rules.
The term "household waste" refers to any waste material (including
garbage, trash, and sanitary waste from septic tanks) derived from households
(including single and multiple residences, hotels and motels, bunkhouses, ranger
stations, crew quarters, campgrounds, picnic grounds, and day-use recreation
areas). In order for household waste to be exempt from regulation, it must meet
two criteria: the waste has to be generated by individuals on the premises of a
household, and the waste must be composed primarily of materials found in the
waste generated by consumers in their homes.
Although the collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal of household
wastes are not subject to the hazardous waste rules, they are subject to
state and local requirements concerning management of solid waste.
What Are the Dangers of Improper Disposal?
Household hazardous wastes are sometimes disposed of improperly by
pouring wastes down the drain, on the ground or into storm sewers.
The dangers of such disposal methods may not be immediately obvious, but certain
types of household hazardous waste have the potential to contaminate septic
tanks or wastewater treatment systems if poured down drains or toilets; cause
aquatic kills in rivers and streams and present hazards to children and
pets.
Even Proper Disposal Can Be Dangerous.
Household hazardous wastes may be properly disposed with household
wastes. Certain types of household hazardous wastes have the potential to
cause physical injury to sanitation workers, children playing around waste
receptacles and neighborhood pets. When disposing of household hazardous
waste with household wastes, make sure to follow all label directions for
proper disposal.
What Can I Do?
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Use
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Storage
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Use products up before purchasing new products.
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Store hazardous products out of reach of children in a
locked cupboard or high shelf.
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Purchase amounts that can be used up easily.
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Store in a dry place, and keep from freezing.
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Read and follow label safety directions.
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Store away from heat or flames.
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Do not use pesticides that are more than 10 years old, as
they may be banned.
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Keep original label intact.
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Leftover materials can be shared with neighbors or donated
to a business, charity, or government agency, or given to a household
hazardous waste collection program.
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Store in original container. Corroding containers should
be repackaged and re- labeled.
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If you can't use it up, follow any instructions for
disposal and use provided on the label.
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Do not mix products together.
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Take household hazardous waste to a local collection
program, if available.
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Move to Reduce and Recycle
One way to reduce the potential concerns associated with household hazardous
waste is to take actions that use nonhazardous or less hazardous components to
accomplish the task at hand. Individuals can do this by reducing the amount
and/or toxicity of the products they choose. This can include learning about the
toxicity of products and about appropriate alternatives to household items
containing hazardous substances.
Recycling is an economical and environmentally sound way to handle some types
of household hazardous waste, such as used automobile batteries and oil. It is
illegal to dispose of used lead-acid batteries in the landfill. In North Dakota,
used lead-acid batteries must be accepted by vendors of new batteries as
trade-ins. North Dakota prohibits the disposal of used oil in the landfills. It
is illegal to pour used oil on the ground or down a drain or sewer. It is also
illegal to apply used oil to roads for dust suppression. Many service stations
have begun collecting used oil as a service to their customers. Check with local
solid waste officials to find out if a used oil recycling program is operating
in your area.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days
Many communities have started special collection days or permanent collection
sites for handling household hazardous waste. On collection days, hazardous waste
contractors collect hazardous waste at a community location to ensure safe
waste disposal. Check with your local community or county agencies to see if
there is a household hazardous waste collection program in your area.
Moving Or Cleaning? Handle Hazards
With Care
Community Household Hazardous Waste Collections
Bismarck
Fargo
Grand Forks
Minot
West Fargo
