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Household Waste

Overview of Disposal Options

Household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable or reactive ingredients are called household hazardous wastes, often referred to as "hhw." These include such things as unwanted solvents, oils, paints, fertilizers and small mercury-containing devices like thermostats. Improper disposal of household hazardous wastes can adversely affect human health and the environment.

Household includes single-family homes, apartments and crew quarters, but does not include waste brought home from a business, school or government agency in an effort to avoid regulatory oversight.

Household Hazardous Waste Exclusion Compliance Bulletin pdf file

Frequently Asked Questions

For additional information, please email comments.hmwmd@state.co.us .

Disposal Options

The options for disposal of household waste, in order of preference, are:

Use the product as intended or find a friend, neighbor or neighborhood organization that can use the product. Waste fuel can be rejuvenated and used for its intended purpose even after being left sitting around for a while.
Take advantage of local programs that collect these wastes in order to minimize the amount that is sent to area landfills.
In areas where the above options are not available, most household wastes can be treated in some way to make them safer for landfill disposal.
1. Treating products commonly found in your house or garage

Do's and Don'ts when manageing household waste

DO
- Carefully read and follow warnings and handling instructions on the container or package label.
- Purchase products in as small of an amount as you can that will still get the job done.
- Use products up before purchasing new products.
- Safely store products in their original containers and labels at all times.
- Look for less toxic alternatives. See Alternative Household Cleaning Products
- Plan ahead - don't wait until the day before you move to try to dispose of several years' worth of accumulated wastes.

DON'T
- Dispose of household wastes by pouring them on the ground or into the drain, storm sewer or gutter.
- Mix chemical products or wastes unless you know they are compatible.
- Put liquid wastes in the trash unless they have been stabilized (dried out or solidified) for disposal.

For additional information, please contact us at comments.hmwmd@state.co.us .

Disclaimer

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment shall have no liability or responsibility of any kind to any user, other person or entity as a result of these guidelines. The use of any or all guidance presented is solely at the discretion of the user. This guidance should not be used other than for the specific waste and purpose as presented. If you have mixtures of materials, the procedures described should not be used unless you have a thorough understanding of the chemistry of the materials involved. These guidelines are for wastes generated by households only and may not be used for wastes generated by businesses, schools or government agencies.