What are Household Hazardous Materials?

Homes are full of hazardous substances like household cleaners, paint strippers, pesticides and automotive lubricants. These substances may be poisonous, flammable, corrosive, reactive or even carcinogenic. Improper disposal can contaminate our water, air, and soil and can endanger our health and safety. Many of these substances are not biodegradable and can concentrate in the food chain.

Definition

A household hazardous material is any product that poses a threat to health or environment when used or disposed of improperly. The product may have one of these properties: flammable, explosive, corrosive, poisonous or radioactive.

Household-generated waste disposal is not regulated by law, but proper management is encouraged.

The average home contains 3-10 gallons of material that can be dangerous to your health and the environment. Many of the products you keep under your sink, in your medicine cabinet or in the garage are hazardous - cleansers, paints, automotive products, medicines, lawn and garden products, etc. Once they have been used, have expired, or you no longer have any use for them, they become hazardous wastes.

We encourage citizens to take a proactive approach in caring for the environment, for which we are all responsible.  Household hazardous waste may be properly disposed of at the Sedgwick County Household Hazardous Waste Facility located at 801 Stillwell.

Business Wastes

Hazardous waste generated by business is often regulated. The Sedgwick County Household Hazardous Waste Department has a program to assist businesses with hazardous waste disposal and waste reduction. This free service is located at 810 Stillwell which is 5 blocks south of Kellogg and 2 blocks east of Seneca.

Call (316) 660-7464 for more information.

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