Many household products contain the same chemicals that are strictly regulated within industrial waste streams and pose environmental hazards. The products are safe when used correctly in accordance with labels but when used incorrectly or disposed of improperly these products are hazardous to humans and the environment.
Products that are considered hazardous have one or more of the following properties:
- Flammable/combustible - can easily be set on fire.
- Explosive/reactive - can detonate or explode through exposure to heat, sudden shock, pressure or incompatible substances
- Corrosive - chemical action can burn and destroy living tissues or other materials when brought in contact
- Toxic - capable of causing injury or death through ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption
- Irritant - causing irritation to eyes, lungs
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection
Most HHW collection is funded by state awarded grants. These grants are awarded to specific counties based on their need. Therefore, Benton County residents and Franklin County residents need to go to different facilities.