Household Hazardous Waste is any product labeled as toxic, poisonous, corrosive, flammable or combustible. Common household products that enter into our storm drains include cleaners, soaps, detergents, paints and solvents.

DO DON'T
Purchase non-hazardous household cleaning products when possible.
Keep HHW products in their original packaging, and store them in cool, dry areas away from kids and pets.
Filter and reuse paint thinner for oil-based paints, and rinse water-based paints in the sink.
Dispose of unused paint by letting it dry out and then placing it in the trash.
Dispose of HHW products at your local hazardous waste center.
Keep your trash cans closed to prevent animals from spilling their contents.
Put concrete, mortar and drywall in the trash.
Carefully read the label of a product before purchasing it. Once you purchase a product, you are legally responsible for its correct disposal.
Don't dispose of HHW products by putting them in the trash, sink, toilet, or storm drain, or by leaving them on the ground.
Don't purchase more HHW products than you need or use these products excessively.
Don't rinse paint brushes with an outdoor hose.
Don't select solvent-based products over water-based products.
Don't use aerosol sprays. Pump sprays are a better alternative.

HHW Effects

  • Yields personal fines; it is illegal to pour HHW products down storm drains.
  • Contaminates groundwater, waterways, oceans and drinking water.
  • Closes beaches and poses health hazards to swimmers.
  • Disrupts bodily and reproductive functions of aquatic animals.
  • Can poison or kills plants and animals.
  • Can cause illness in land animals and people who eat diseased fish or drink polluted water.