Household Hazardous Waste

Overview


Household hazardous waste includes products that contain toxic, corrosive, highly reactive or flammable materials. According to the EPA, items such as batteries, household cleaners, and paint are considered to be hazardous.

Hazardous Waste Disposal


Improper disposal of household hazardous waste can be a serious detriment to yourself, your community, and the environment. Throwing these materials away, dumping them down the drain, and storing them improperly can lead to water contamination, environmental damage, risk of explosion, and other dire consequences.

Alternatives to Disposal


The city of Montrose recommends that residents try alternatives to disposing household hazardous waste.
  • Buy only what you need – reducing the amount of hazardous materials you purchase will reduce the amount left over from a project. For example, try getting a smaller bottle of pesticides for your front yard garden in order to reduce the waste.
  • Try alternatives to hazardous materials – several household items (vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice) work very well to scrub surfaces, deodorize and clean glass. The EPA has some handy tips for using these items to clean your home.
  • Use it! – There is no better disposal for a product than using it for its intended purpose.