Household Hazardous Waste
What is Household Hazardous Waste?
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) is the residue of potentially harmful substances you use in your home. Hazardous waste usually has one or more of the following characteristics:
Corrosive: will burn skin and wear away at many materials
Flammable: will ignite easily
Reactive: Can cause an explosion or produce deadly vapors
Toxic: Poisonous to humans and animals
Examples of Household Hazardous Waste :
Motor Oil, oil based paint, brake fluid, insecticides, oven cleaners, drain cleaners, bleach, solvents, pool chemicals, mothballs, antifreeze, herbicides, dye, nail polish, batteries, photo chemicals, lawn chemicals, toilet cleaners, fertilizer, metal polish, floor cleaners, wood strippers, muriatic acid, creosote and sealants.
These and other hazardous wastes should be separated from the normal waste stream. Left in the normal waste stream they can contaminate soil and groundwater, clog storm sewers, over burden septic systems, corrode plumbing systems, or cause harmful emissions from incinerators.
How can I reduce risks from hazardous products and waste?
When shopping ask yourself: Do I really need to use this product? Sometimes, the old fashioned ways are easier, cheaper and safer. Practice organic gardening or use alternative cleaning products. Some examples are:
- Drain cleaner - flush drain with hot water, use a plunger or plumber's snake
- Houseplant insecticides - wash leaves with soapy water, then rinse
- Window cleaner - use 2 tablespoons of vinegar in 1 quart of water
- Furniture polish - use olive oil, lemon oil or beeswax
- Oven cleaner - use a mixture of salt, baking soda and water
Buy the correct quantity to finish the job. Once a product is opened it shelf life is greatly reduced. Could you share your leftovers with a friend needing the same product?
How Do I dispose of Household Hazardous Waste?
The City of Springfield holds 6 annual household hazardous waste days. Please call 736-3111 for appointments and information. Appointments are free to Springfield Residents. If you are not a resident or cannot wait for a disposal day, please call a licensed disposal company.
Are there some wastes I can't bring?
We try to accept as many types of waste as possible. However the DPW is unable to accept radioactive wastes, pathological wastes (hypodermic needles or other medical waste), commercial or industrial waste, or explosives.