Many common products that we use in our daily lives contain potentially hazardous materials and require special care when disposed of. It is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste in the garbage, down storm drains, or onto the ground. Chemicals in illegally or improperly disposed hazardous waste can be released into the environment and contaminate our air, water, and possibly the food we eat. And by throwing hazardous waste in the garbage, you can cause additional hazards to your garbage handler.
Regulations to protect public health and the environment have been changing. This is because we now know that some common items that have traditionally been thrown in your household’s or small business’ trash cannot be safely disposed in landfills (see Wastes Banned From the Trash for more). Some of these common items are referred to as hazardous waste, such as paint, electronic devices (e-waste), and motor oil. Other household hazardous waste (HHW) items are in a subcategory called “universal waste” (e.g., batteries, CFLs, and mercury-containing thermostats). All universal waste items were banned from the trash as of February 9, 2006. As of January 1, 2020, the exemption for treated wood waste has expired and all hazardous treated wood waste managed in California will have to be stored and manifested as hazardous waste and transported to class I hazardous waste landfills for disposal.
Contact ewastedisposal.net for options to properly dispose of flammable waste , 949-466-8857
