Hazardous Waste Collection

Source: Missouri Household Hazardous Waste Telephone Advice Manual, April 1994, Household Hazardous Waste Project

Some types and quantities of household hazardous products have no proper disposal options available and must be saved for a household hazardous waste collection. In order to protect health and environment, safe and proper storage of household hazardous waste is vital.

A word of caution: This management option may cause harm to human health and the environment if the described procedures are not followed carefully!

Materials Needed

The following materials are needed if the product container is in a rusting metal or a breakable container: Gloves

Procedures

  1. Protect the product's label. Store substances in their original containers. If an item is not in its original container, clearly label the current container with the product's name, the date, and the words DANGER and DO NOT OPEN. If the item is an unknown substance, clearly label the container with the current date and the words UNKNOWN SUBSTANCE, DANGER and DO NOT OPEN.

  2. If the product is in a rusting metal or a breakable container, this container should be placed within a larger, plastic container with a tight-fining lid.

  3. A nonflammable absorbent, such as clay-based cat box filler, should be packed around the product container to absorb any possible leaks.

  4. Clearly label the outside container with the contents and date. Write the words DANGER and DO NOT OPEN on the outside container.

  5. If the product is flammable, store it away from all sources of heat, spark, flame, or ignition. Remember these sources include water heaters, electrical appliances, light switches, electric garage door openers, pilot lights, engines and motors.

  6. Store the container out of the reach of children and animals in a separate locked cabinet or other secure structure.


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