Household Hazardous Waste

NOTE:
Household hazardous waste collection will resume Saturday, April 3, 2010.

DID YOU KNOW...
Each year thousands of dogs and cats are poisoned by improperly discarded or leaking antifreeze? The sweet taste attracts pets.

What are Household Hazardous Wastes (HHW's)?

Many of the products we use in our home and routinely throw away with our trash are considered HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTES. These products are actually chemicals similar to regulated hazardous wastes produced by business and industry. Products which are corrosive (such as acids and alkalis), flammable, reactive or toxic (poisonous) can be found in most people's home, garage or workshop. Although these products are helpful when used as directed, they do pose risks if you use, store or dispose them improperly.
When dealing with household hazardous wastes, it is important for you as the consumer to accept responsibility when you BUY, USE, STORE, and DISPOSE of these products.

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Visit the EPA's Household Hazardous Waste website, click here

HHW Disposal - Please be Responsible!

To dispose of household hazardous wastes properly, bring your waste to the Drop-off Area at the

Alpha Ridge Landfill
Residents' Convenience Center
April - November, on SATURDAY ONLY
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
2350 Marriottsville Road
Marriottsville, Maryland 21104

Residents using the Household Hazardous Waste Program are required to show their drivers licenses as proof of residence in Howard County each time they enter the landfill.

YES... we will accept the following HHW's

All Purpose Cleaners Batteries (rechargeable) Bathroom Cleaners Brake Fluids Degreasers Drain Cleaners Finishing Strippers Furniture Polish & Wax Fungicides Gasoline Herbicides Latex Paint*

Metal Polish Mildew Removers Nail Polish Remover Oil Based Paints Oven Cleaners Paint Thinners Pesticides Photography Chemicals Rug Cleaners Rust Removers Scouring Powders

Solvents Spot Removers Swimming Pool Chemicals Transmission Fluids Upholstry Cleaners Wood Preservatives ...and other household chemicals....

* Useable latex paint that is collected at the Alpha Ridge Landfill will be donated to local non-profit organizations. Call 410-313-6444 if your organization wishes to receive donated paint.

SORRY... we can NOT accept the following materials:

Ammunition * Asbestos Commercial wastes Compressed gas tanks

Dioxins Explosives Fireworks Industrial wastes

Kepones Medical wastes PCB's Radioactive materials **

* For ammunition or explosive disposal, call the Office of the State Fire Marshall (Monday - Friday) for disposal at 410-859-7152.

** For further information, call the State of Maryland, Department of the Environment, Office of Radiological Health, at 410-537-3300.

What can I expect at the collection area?

When arriving at the Residents' Convenience Center, you will be directed to the HHW drop off area. We ask that you remove the items from your car and bring them to one of the tables that are set up.

On-site chemists will examine the materials. They may ask you to help identify any unknown or unlabeled materials that you have brought. Based on their analysis, they will determine the proper packaging for transport and disposal of the hazardous materials.

Helpful hints for transporting HHW safely

• Bring materials in their original containers or packaging or in secure, clearly labeled, leak-proof containers.
• If the container leaks, pack contents and container in a larger leak-proof package and use an absorbent material (such as cat litter) to soak up leaks.
• Handle car batteries with damaged cases or missing filler caps with extreme care.
• Boxes with dividers make good packaging.
• Group similar materials in the same area in your care to make unloading easier.
• DON'T mix or pour different or unknown materials together in the same container.

How Can I Be A Responsible Consumer?

Buy Responsibly

• Compare & read the label! Not all brands contain hazardous materials. Some manufacturers are developing less hazardous formulas.
• Only buy what you need! The large economy size ends up costing more when you consider the disposal of the leftovers.
• Select the least hazardous product that will work for you.
• Purchase non-toxic household cleaning products, or safer alternatives, whenever possible.
• Use latex paint instead of oil-based paint.

Use Responsibly

• Always read and follow all directions and precautions on labels.
• Never mix products unless directed. Some products are chemically incompatible and may react to cause fumes, fires, or explosives.
• Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Wear protective eyeglasses, gloves and clothing when handling hazardous materials.
• Try to use up products for their intended purpose. If you have some left over, share it with your friends or neighbors, or perhaps community groups.

Store Properly

• Keep hazardous materials OUT OF CHILDREN"S REACH, in a dry secure place.
• Store different types of hazardous materials separate from each other.
• Keep hazardous products away from food products and sources of heat or sparks.
• Separate flammable, corrosive, and poisonous products.
• Store materials in their original containers with their labels intact.

Dispose Properly

• Some household products don't belong in the garbage can or down the drain. Chemicals in these products are harmful to our water and can injure people and animals!
• DON'T...flush hazardous wastes down household drains or storm drains. They can ruin septic fields, pollute ground water, or pass through municipal treatment systems to surface waters.
• DONT'T...dump or bury household wastes on the ground.
• DON'T...place hazardous wastes in trashcans or refuse containers for collection. They may injure collection personnel, contribute to groundwater contamination from landfills, and damage collection containers or vehicles.