Answer
Explanation:
First thing you have to figure out when it comes to how to dispose of hazardous waste: what constitutes it in the first place. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers a comprehensive break down of the specific characteristics that define a substance as “hazardous,” but if it’s too much to read through just know that these are the types you’ll probably need to know about when it comes to household items.
Combustible and flammable materials. Substances that ignite and burn easily. These include spare cans of gasoline, propane tanks, oxidizers, and any liquid with a flashpoint of less than 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Corrosive materials. Substances—usually liquid—that can corrode metal. This accounts for pretty much any industrial strength cleaner, including drain cleaners, you have in your home. Look for items that contain common strong acids such as hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid.
Reactive materials. Substances that are unstable and prone to possible explosion when stored above normal temperatures and/or pressures, including many substances stored in aerosol cans.
Toxic materials. Substances that can be seriously harmful or even deadly upon contact, consumption, or inhalation. Think paint, antifreeze, motor oil, weed killers, and even many of the cleaning products you keep under the kitchen sink.
A lot of hazardous waste products are industry-specific, but you’d be surprised to learn that you probably have a lot of these substances in your home as well. When you’re organizing items for your move, set aside a special place for storing hazardous materials you’re not taking with you, and then dispose of each of them correctly.
How to dispose of hazardous waste
You’ve already got a lot on your to-do list before a move, but you can’t neglect the importance of properly disposing of hazardous materials. There are very real consequences when these substances end up in landfills or recycling plants, and it’s everyone’s responsibility to dispose of them the right way. Here’s how to do it.
Research the laws in your county. Before you can know exactly what to do, you need to know the legalities of hazardous waste disposal where you live. Different counties have different rules, so read up on them before you do anything else. Simply search “how to dispose of hazardous waste” + “[your county]” to see what comes up.
Read the labels. Many household hazardous materials come with general directions about how to (and how not to) store and handle them. While you likely won’t find out the specifics on exactly how to dispose of something right on the packaging, you will learn particulars about safe disposal, such as materials a certain substance cannot come into contact with and other ways to avoid hazards while you work on a correct disposal method.
Schedule a home pick up. Contact your local waste management company and ask them if they offer home pick ups for hazardous materials. Many do, though you may incur a fee. If this service is available, make sure to get clear directions on how to sort and store items for pick up. You likely will not be able to just toss these containers in an empty garbage can. Also ask for a breakdown of which materials are allowed and which aren’t so you’re not accidentally leaving out something that cannot be picked up.
Find a drop off location. Even if they don’t do home pick-ups, your local waste management authority almost certainly offers drop off services, usually on a set schedule, such as a certain day of the month and at a certain time. Once again, it’s important to call directly and get as much information as you can about the specifics. The facility may not allow all types of hazardous materials to be dropped off at the same time, or they may have other guidelines that you need to know.
