Issue Profile
Household Hazardous Waste Management
Issued: December 1998 Contact: (207) 287-2651
Background
As consumers, all of use hazardous materials at some time or other around our homes. Examples include paint, cleaning products or mercury-containing thermometers. When discarded in the trash, the residual materials in their containers may seem insignificant to an individual; however, when multiplied by the number of households in a community, it becomes an environmental problem that needs to be addressed.
- Much of Maine’s municipal solid waste is now incinerated to generate electricity. Heavy metals, such as mercury, in the solid waste stream can be carried through the combustion process to contaminate the air or the ash.
- Pesticides may not always be entirely destroyed or they may form more toxic compounds.
- Dioxins can be formed from the burning of wastes with a high plastic content.
- A danger exists that solid waste workers will be exposed to the reactions of incompatible materials as the solid waste is collected and transported to treatment and disposal facilities.
In Maine, the Hazardous Waste Management Rules are administered by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Maine’s rules are a refinement of the minimum standards established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and were tailored to best protect our natural resources. Among these protections are stringent licensing requirements for transporters, treatment, transfer, and storage facilities that manage hazardous waste.
As with the federal rules, Maine rules exempt households from all provisions of the hazardous waste rules that govern industrial and commercial generators. However, the Department supports the voluntary and environmentally safe management and disposal of hazardous waste from your home. With household awareness and cooperation, the hazardous component of the solid waste stream can be dramatically reduced, resulting in improved environmental quality.
There are alternatives to many hazardous household chemicals. These usually include compounds made from common household products, such as vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and ammonia, which readily break down in the environment. Some companies are even currently marketing “non-toxic” products to replace the traditional hazardous ones. Be informed, check the labels and compare.
What is a household hazardous waste?
Hazardous wastes always display at least one of the following characteristics: They can be toxic, ignitable, corrosive or reactive. There are specific tests used to definitively conclude any of the above parameters, but generally they can be described as follows:
- Toxic: These are wastes that are harmful or fatal if swallowed. They may generate fumes that irritate the eyes or skin. Heavy metals, like lead and mercury, and waste pesticides are examples of toxic wastes.
- Ignitable: These are wastes that are flammable at or below a temperatures of 140◦ F. Unwanted gasoline is an example of an ignitable waste.
- Corrosive: These materials may cause irritation or burns to the skin, eyes or other tissues on contact. They may also corrode plastics, metals, rubber, or other materials. Automobile battery acid is an example of a corrosive waste.
- Reactive: These materials are not stable, may react violently with water and may possibly form explosive compounds. Old medicinal ether and out-dated ammunition are examples of reactive wastes.
Note: Empty containers of hazardous materials are not considered hazardous waste. Often the best method of disposal for household hazardous chemicals is to completely use them up according to the directions on the label.
What am I likely to have around my home that would be considered a household hazardous waste?
Any unused, unwanted, expired or otherwise useless household material that meets one of the above hazardous characteristics would be considered a household hazardous waste. Some of the more common examples include the following:
• Pesticides • Oil-based paints or stains • Paint remover
• Paint thinner • Some batteries • Acids
• Old gasoline • Some cleaning products • Solvents
• Mothballs • Some glues and adhesives • Pool chemicals
Are there some unacceptable methods of disposal for household hazardous waste?
Yes. Household hazardous wastes should never be poured down a drain. Municipal sewage treatment plants and residential septic system are not designed to adequately teat hazardous materials. Although the waste will be diluted, the chemical composition is usually not changed. These materials are sometimes called "pass through pollutants," meaning that they can travel through your local wastewater treatment plant unchanged and end up in our river and oceans. Further, never pour anything down a curbside storm drain. Usually, these drains are not connected to the sewage collection system and often discharge directly to a river or the ocean.
Likewise, household hazardous wastes should never be dumped on the ground. It takes a surprisingly small amount of material to contaminate large areas of soil or groundwater.
Even though some municipalities allow it, never burn garbage or any hazardous materials in your backyard! Through this uncontrolled open burning, you could generate poisonous gases, including hydrogen cyanide, phosgene and dioxin. In addition, aerosol cans could explode.
Are there any household hazardous wastes that are "easy" to dispose of safely:?
Some household hazardous wastes are easier than others to dispose of safely. For example:
- Antifreeze can be dropped off at some service stations for recycling and reuse;
- Old, "stale" gasoline can be added in small quantities when you fill up your automobile's gas tank;
- Although not a hazardous waste, used motor oil can be taken to one of 72 service stations throughout Maine. Call the DEP for the one closest to you:
- Lead-acid batteries can be recycled and collection services for dry-cell and mercury batteries are becoming more common;
- Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) rechargeable batteries are collected at many hardware stores;
- Some jewelry stores will accept used silver oxide watch batteries;
- Latex paint products produced after 1989 are usually not hazardous. Once spent, these paint products can be uncovered and allowed to dry prior to disposal. (Older latex paint contains mercury as an anti-bacterial agent and therefore is hazardous.)
What is the most environmentally friendly way to dispose of my household hazardous waste?
Recently, government agencies and hazardous waste operators have teamed up to offer collection services for household generators of hazardous waste. These are generally one-day events where residents of participating municipalities scan take their hazardous waste to a central collection point, such as the town garage or solid waste transfer station. Usually, there is little or no fee to the residents. From this collection point, the waste will be consolidated by a Department-licensed hazardous waste company and will then enter the managed hazardous waste stream.
Note: If you participate in these collection days, it is extremely important for you to follow the instructions. Know what materials will be accepted and what materials will be refused. Also, pay close attention to the packaging and transportation requirements. Failure to follow the instructions may result in danger or injury to yourself or volunteers working the event. Further, it could increase disposal costs, resulting in an end to future collection events; so please follow the instructions carefully!
My town has scheduled a household hazardous waste collection day and my buddy (who runs a small auto-body shop) asked me if I would take some waste paint thinner he has to the event. Is this Okay?
No. Your friend's waste is from a commercial facility. He must manage his waste paint thinner in accordance with the Maine Hazardous Waste Management Rules. You should advise him to call the DEP for compliance assistance.
If all of these suggestions for disposal of my household hazardous waste fail, can I still legally dispose of it with my regular trash?
Yes, it is still legal for household generators of hazardous waste to utilize the solid waste stream for disposal. However, commercial and industrial generators of hazardous waste must comply with the Hazardous Waste Management Rules.
Are there safe and effective alternatives to using hazardous materials in my home?
Yes. For example, latex paint is a much safer alternative to hydrocarbon containing oil-based paints AND no solvents are needed for cleanup.
Here are a few non-hazardous products that can be substituted for hazardous chemicals:
| Problem |
Solution |
| Dirty Windows |
Vinegar, ammonia & water |
| Laundry stains |
Club Soda |
| Moths |
Cedar shavings, lavender |
| Dusty furniture |
Lemon juice |
| Room, refrigerator & drain odors |
Baking soda |
| Tarnished chrome or silver |
Baking soda |
| Dirty porcelain |
Baking soda |
Where can I call or write for more information?
For more information on the Maine Hazardous Waste Management Rules, please write or call:
Maine Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Remediation and Waste Management
Division Oil and Hazardous Waste Facilities Regulations
17 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0017
Telephone: (207)287-2651
Fax: (207)287-7826
