Environmental Quality | 201 NW 2nd St., Suite 100 | P.O. Box 534045 | Grand Prairie, TX 75053
Phone 972-237-8055 | Fax 972-237-8228
Any household product that you no longer want, but which should not be put in the garbage or washed down the drain, is considered household hazardous waste (HHW). Some examples are:
|
Cleaning Products
Bleach
Aerosol Cans
Cooking Oil
Paint and Thinners
Medications
Landscape and Pool Chemicals
Fluorescent Lights, CFLs
Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Used Motor Oil and Filters
Batteries (Automotive and Household) |
Many of these items are toxic, corrosive, or flammable. All of them have the potential to adversely impact the environment if not disposed of properly.
Toxic – has the ability to cause illness or injury if inhaled, ingested, absorbed through the skin, or injected. Toxicity is measured by how much of the substance is required to produce harmful effects. Products which may contain toxic substances include pesticides and herbicides, household cleaners, antifreeze, compact fluorescent lights, and pharmaceuticals.
Corrosive – dissolves metals or burns the skin. Household products which may contain corrosive ingredients include pool chemicals, household cleaners, rust removers, and drain openers.
Flammable – ignites more easily or at lower temperatures. Common flammable products include gasoline, solvents (mineral spirits, paint thinner, nail polish remover), adhesives, charcoal, and mothballs. Some items, such as bleach and hydrogen peroxide, are not flammable, but they may help cause or accelerate combustion.
Why can’t I put it down the drain?
Greasy wastes, such as cooking oil, will clog sewer lines if poured down the drain. Others, such as cleaning and laundry products, are designed to go down the drain when used according to the directions. However, the drain should not be used as a disposal mechanism for leftover or unwanted chemicals. The wastewater treatment system can not remove all contaminants, so whatever remains goes into the rivers and lakes.
Treatment plants were not designed to remove pharmaceuticals, so medications should never be flushed or washed down the drain.