Household Hazardous Wastes

Incidents involving hazardous materials are many and varied. Some are even walk-ins at the fire house. These usually involve some sort of household hazardous waste and can run the whole range of health and environmental hazards.

What to Do with Hazardous Materials

The local fire department should not accept these materials brought to the station. Instead, they should direct the person to the local household hazardous waste facility. Remember: by accepting these materials, you assume the liability for the materials and any disposal costs associated with the hazardous waste!

All fire departments should contact their local hazardous waste facility and obtain all appropriate information, including their location, phone number, hours of operation, and items they will or will not accept. 

Household Waste Examples

Household Waste that can be hazardous to the environment and or persons must be used and disposed of in a manner consistent with safety for persons and preservation of the environment. The following are a few examples:

• Arts and Crafts: adhesive, primer, varnish, glue, etc.
• Auto Products: brake fluid, battery acid de-icer, gasoline, lubricants, etc.
• Home Maintenance: paint, stain, putty, etc.
• Home Office: ink, toner, electronics cleaner, etc.
• Inside the Home: air freshener, bleach, toilet bowl cleaner, ammonia, etc.
• Landscape/Yard: fertilizer, pesticides, insecticides, pool cleaning products, etc.
• Personal Care: antiperspirant, hair spray, shampoo, soap, etc.
• Pet Care: flea and tick control, stain/odor remover, etc.

This is by no means a comprehensive list but a list to get you to start thinking about Household Hazardous Waste you may have around your house and how to treat that waste.

More Information

View more information on the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Household Hazardous Waste site.