Hazardous Materials
For accidental hazardous material poisoning:
Call 1-800-222-1222 or your emergency department or physician for advice immediately.
Disposal and Recycling Resources
A list of useful phone numbers and Web sites that have more information on where and how to recycle or dispose of hazardous materials.
Know what is hazardous
What are some commonly used household products that could be a potential hazard?
- Detergent
- Hair Spray
- Insect Repellent Spray or Lotion
- Paint Thinner
- Lawn Weed Killer
- Powdered Cleanser
- Air Freshener
- Bleach
- Fabric Cleaner
- Silver, Brass or Any Kind of Polish
- Pool Chemicals
- Any Liquid Cleaning Fluid
Why should I be concerned with hazardous materials?
- To protect your family and pets
- To protect the environment
- To reduce waste accumulation
- To minimize disposal hazards
What makes materials hazardous to health and the environment?
They are substances which are
- toxic
- corrosive or flammable
- capable of causing serious illness or harm to humans, domestic livestock, wildlife or the environment.
While most packages of commercially available products offer adequate instructions on the storage and use of these potentially harmful materials, they rarely contain instructions on how to properly dispose of them.
What to do when buying hazardous materials
- Read the label carefully
- Buy only as much as you need
- Use all materials for their intended purpose
- Keep those products separate from groceries
- Store in a safe place and in original container
- Periodically examine the condition of the container or packaging of these products
- Be aware of the uses and dangers of these products. Contact manufacturer or dealer if use directions are unclear. If unsuccessful, call the poison center for advice.
- Keep unused products in their original containers for directions to follow and list of contents for reference in case of accidental poisoning
- Do not over-use a product
If hazardous material spills
These are general instructions and do not apply in all cases.
For specific spills, read label or call the poison center for advice.
In many communities, the local fire department will provide helpful assistance with spill and clean up questions; waste management and disposal companies in many locales also offer advice and assistance on such occasions.
- Sweep or shovel dust and powders into a plastic bag
- Contain and cover spill by spreading sand, sawdust or cat litter on liquids to absorb the spillage
- When hosing down an area, be careful to avoid contamination of streams, ponds, etc. Read label on product and follow directions
- Keep area well ventilated
- Keep pets and children away
- Wear gloves and protective clothing
- Sweep or scoop absorbent and container into a plastic bag
- Wash down area with soap & water and old rags, deposit rags into plastic bag Seal bag, wrap in newspaper, toss in garbage can
- For large spills, or where flammables are involved, contact your local fire station
Know how to dispose of unused hazardous materials
- Hazardous materials must NOT be thrown in garbage cans
- Hazardous materials must NOT be flushed into drains or toilets
- Hazardous materials must NOT be burned
Cleaners & Household Products
- Use remaining cleaning products according to directions
- If container held a liquid, rinse 3 times, pouring rinse water down the drain
Aerosol Cans
- Make sure propellant is completely emptied by holding valve down until all pressure is released.
- Warning: Never puncture cans or discard them where they can be exposed to flame or excessive heat.
- Recycle at Household Hazardous Waste site or in your recycling collection barrel. Do not dispose in the trash.
Pool Chemicals (Acids & Chlorine)
- Make sure container is empty and rinsed several times with water.
Pesticides and Herbicides
- Pesticides and herbicides should never be dumped in sewers, storm drains or toilets. Follow instructions on the package.
- Never re-use pesticide containers for any purpose, even if the container has been rinsed.
- Reseal empty pesticide container, wrap in newspaper and discard it with the trash.
- Fly paper or pesticide strips can be discarded with other trash.
- Warning: Never burn paper pesticide strips or any other packaging that has been used as a pesticide container.
Automotive Waste Disposal
Oil: Drain waste oil into a container with a tight-fitting lid and take it to a Household Hazardous Waste site or a local automotive store.
Antifreeze: Take antifreeze to a Household Hazardous Waste site.
Gasoline: Drain used gasoline into leakproof plastic container with tight-fitting lid and take it to a Household Hazardous Waste site. Do not store gasoline.
Paint Products: Solvents, paint thinners and wood preservatives, in particular, should not be dumped into the sewer system. Take these items to a Household Hazardous Waste site.
For accidental hazardous material poisoning:
Call 1-800-222-1222 or your emergency department or physician for advice immediately.
About Poison Centers and Hazardous Materials Accidents
In the early 1980s, the role of many poison control centers began to expand. Spills, leaks, fires and other incidents that occurred during the manufacture, transport, storage or use of hazardous chemicals and toxic substances were taking place with alarming frequency throughout the United States. Many poison control centers became resources for toxicologic information and referral assistance during chemical release accidents. Poison control centers became an integral part of the community's network of agencies, services and individuals with designated responsibilities and duties for managing and giving assistance during hazardous materials incidents.