This spring, WeTHRIVE!℠ community teams organized collection events that safely disposed of more than 22,000 pounds of household hazardous waste. In this special guest post, Jack Mangan with Hamilton County ReSource talks about household hazardous products and why discarding them properly is so important.
Everyday items found in our basements, garages, and under our sinks may seem harmless. But when it comes time to toss them, some of those products can pose serious risks to people, pets, and the environment. These materials are considered household hazardous products (HHP) and understanding how to handle them responsibly is a key step in protecting public health and keeping our communities safe and clean.
What are household hazardous products?
HHP include products that contain chemicals that are toxic, flammable, corrosive, or reactive when not stored or disposed of correctly. Common examples include:
- Oil based paints, stains and paint thinners
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Automotive fluids (motor oil, antifreeze, brake fluid)
- Batteries (especially rechargeable and lithium-ion)
- Cleaning products (bleach, drain cleaners, oven cleaners)
- Flammable aerosols (starter fluid, oil-based spray paints, air fresheners)
- Fluorescent light bulbs and tubes
- Pool chemicals
These are products we often use without a second thought – but when disposed of improperly, they can create long-term environmental and health hazards.
Why it’s important not to throw HHP in the trash
While convenient, throwing HHP in your garbage can have lasting impacts. Here’s why it matters.
Health hazards
Many HHPs release harmful fumes or can cause burns, poisoning, or respiratory issues if mishandled. Once in the trash, these items can pose a danger to sanitation workers, children, pets, or anyone who might come into contact with them.
Environmental impact
Improper disposal or storage of hazardous waste can leach into the soil, contaminate water systems, or pollute the air we breathe.
Fire and explosion risk
Flammable items like gasoline, paint thinners, or lithium batteries can cause fires or explosions when compacted in trash trucks or landfills. These incidents not only damage equipment but put lives at risk.
What you can do: Safe disposal starts at home
Fortunately, there are easy steps you can take to ensure household hazardous products are handled safely and responsibly:
- Store safely. Until you’re ready to dispose of items, store them in a cool, dry place – away from children and pets. Keep them in their original containers with labels intact and never mix chemicals together.
- Use local drop-off programs. Use Hamilton County ReSource’s Recycling and Reuse Search Tool to find an appropriate year-round outlet for proper disposal of your HHP.
- Donate or share when possible. If you have usable items like paint, cleaning supplies, or automotive fluids, consider sharing with neighbors, or seeking nonprofits or community centers that accept donations.
- Consider safer, non-toxic alternatives. When purchasing new products, look for environmentally friendly, non-toxic alternatives. The EPA’s Safer Choice label is a good starting point. This reduces the overall volume of HHP in circulation and entirely prevents the need for disposal.
A shared responsibility
Through the effective management of household hazardous products, we reduce the risk of personal exposure, prevent pollution, and help ensure a healthier, safer environment for everyone.
Let’s work together to keep hazardous products out of the trash, out of our waterways, and out of our communities.
Jack Mangan
Community Coordinator
Hamilton County ReSource
Have questions or unsure if an item qualifies as hazardous?
Visit Hamilton County ReSource or Contact Us – Hamilton County Public Health. We’re here to help make safe disposal easy for you and your community.