Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)
What is it?
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) includes items such as household cleaners, lawn
and garden products, automotive fluids, paints and other chemical products. These
flammable, toxic, corrosive or reactive items are labeled with danger, warning or
caution.
What's the problem?
Most of our homes contain many chemical-based household products used for cleaning,
painting or maintaining our houses and yards. Maybe it's the forgotten drain
cleaner under the sink. Perhaps it's the motor oil
or lawn chemicals stored in the garage. It could even be the
old paint in the basement left over from that remodeling project a
few years back. While these materials can be safe when used correctly and stored
appropriately, improper use, storage and disposal of HHW pose a number of risks
and dangers.
Hazardous products cause poisonings, severe burns, illness, blindness and even death
if misused. When HHW ends up in household trash or is poured down sinks or storm
drains, it not only endangers our health and safety, but it also poses risks for
our communities, wildlife and the environment.
While small amounts of HHW in your home may seem like a minor concern, when millions
of other homes across greater Kansas City are using similar products, it becomes
a major issue if all those hazardous materials are improperly handled, stored or
discarded.
How do I get rid of it?
Properly dispose of your HHW at a community collection facility
or at one of the regional mobile collection events.
Collection facilities
The Regional HHW Collection Program serves the Missouri side of
the Greater Kansas City metro. It provides convenient access to proper HHW disposal
for residents of participating communities in Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte and Ray
counties. Kansas residents in several communities have access to other HHW facilities
that are not affiliated with this specific program.
Collection events
Mobile collection events held throughout the Missouri side of the Kansas City area
are free to residents of any community that belongs to the
Regional HHW Collection
Program.
If your community is not a member of this program, please
contact your city hall or county office. Each year, the cities and counties in the
five-county Solid Waste Management District have an opportunity to join the program.
How can I reduce it?
- Read labels carefully. Avoid buying products with labels containing the words: danger,
warning, flammable, explosive, corrosive, caustic, toxic or poison.
- Use safer products whenever possible. There are a number of recipes available to
make your own
safer alternatives or look at our
safe alternatives info card (pdf).
- Buy only as much as you need for the job at hand.
- Share what you can't use or don't need any more with a friend or neighbor.
- Recycle what can be recycled in your area, such as motor oil and auto batteries.
Where can I learn more?
For more information about the HHW program, contact Nadja Karpilow, environmental
planner, at karpilow@marc.org or 816/701-8226.