Household Hazardous Waste
What is Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)?
Household hazardous wastes are common household and garden products that are used in your daily life. These products can contain toxic ingredients.
It is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste in the garbage, down storm drains, down the toilet, or onto the ground.
Household hazardous waste that is illegally or improperly disposed of can release chemicals into the environment and contaminate our air, water, and possibly the food we eat.
Examples of household hazardous waste include products such as paint cleaners, oil, batteries, and pesticides. However, there are many more products out there that are classified as household hazardous waste. A good way to identify a hazardous waste product is by taking a look at the warning label. Descriptions such as CAUTION, DANGER, TOXIC, POISON, FLAMMABLE, WARNING, KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN are all good indicators that your product is considered a household hazardous waste. Download our HHW Brochure.
Your household hazardous waste should be taken to the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility for proper disposal. Many retailers have “Take It Back” programs for their hazardous materials as an alternative to the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility.
For more information on how to properly dispose of your household hazardous waste, use our How Do I Get Rid Of? tool.
Pharmaceutical Disposal
Medications should never be disposed of by flushing or pouring them down the drain. They enter into our waterways and contaminate our water, have adverse effects on fish and other aquatic animals and can result in small amounts of medicine in our drinking water.
Proper disposal of unused prescription medications will also help keep them off the streets and out of the hands of our children.
There are numerous kiosks throughout Shasta County where residents can properly dispose of their unwanted medications. Use our “How Do I Get Rid Of...?” tool for kiosk locations or visit Shasta County’s Health & Human Services Agency for more information.
Did you know it is illegal to throw your home-generated sharps into your garbage or recycling containers?
Be sure to dispose of your sharps responsibly. Click on the “Waste Reduction and Recycling” link to be directed to our “How Do I Get Rid Of?” tool for information on how to properly dispose of your sharps and to find disposal site locations near you. Be sure to talk to your pharmacy or health care provider to see if they offer “Take Back” programs.
Supporting Documents
Household Hazardous Waste Brochure (984 KB) 