What is Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)?

Almost every home contains hazardous products, or products that can harm human health or the environment if improperly handled. They are products used in cleaning, home improvements, automobile maintenance, lawn and garden care, hobbies, and a variety of other tasks. Household hazardous waste is defined as having one or more of the following four properties; flammable, corrosive, reactive, and toxic.

When a residential household generates these wastes, they are known as "household hazardous waste" (HHW). Each year, thousands of people are injured by exposure or accident involving hazardous household products. Because of the dangers they pose, these products require special awareness, handling, and disposal.

In order to protect health and environment, every consumer should know how to properly use, store, and dispose of hazardous household products. Free disposal of the below listed household hazardous wastes are offered free of charge at the Northwest Waste Management Facility.  Limited types and quantities are also accepted at the Residential Convenience Centers.

Commercial Hazardous Waste:  Hernando County does not accept hazardous waste from commercial businesses.  Businesses should contact a licensed Hazardous Waste Hauler for disposal options.

The following commonly used household hazardous materials are accepted at all locations:

• Oil-based and latex paint up to 5 gallons per month
• Used oil up to 5 gallons per month
• Fluorescent bulbs/PCB ballasts up to four feet long
• Automotive batteries 
• Rechargeable batteries
• Used sharps including needles and lancets  
• Unwanted non-narcotic medications

The following items are accepted only at the Northwest Solid Waste Management Facility (Main Landfill):

• Pesticides and herbicides  (Main Landfill only)
• Paint remover and thinner up to 5 gallons per month (Main Landfill only)
• Solvents up to 5 gallons per month (Main Landfill only)
• Automotive fluids - brake fluid, antifreeze, transmission fluid up to 5 gallons per month (Main Landfill only)
• Gasoline and diesel fuel up to 5 gallons per month (Main Landfill only)
• Household cleaners up to 5 gallons per month (Main Landfill only)
• Pool chemicals up to 5 gallons per month (Main Landfill only)
• Mercury thermostats, thermometers and switches (Main Landfill only)

How should I prepare my HHW for transport?

• Keep material in the original container with the label intact.
• Clearly label the container if the original label is missing.
• Label the container "UNKNOWN" if you do not know the material content. Include any information that you have about an unknown material (paint, insecticide, etc.).
• Make sure all lids are tight.
• Place leaking containers in a larger container with an absorbent (kitty litter or vermiculite).
• Do not mix different or unknown materials together. Some compounds are reactive and could vent toxic fumes.
• Secure glass bottles to prevent breakage.

Recommendations

Do

• Use nontoxic substitutes whenever possible
• Buy only as much as you need
• Follow label instructions
• Give leftover materials to someone who can use it
• Leftover household hazardous waste that can’t be given away should be taken to the HHWCC
• Store materials in a cool, dry place

Don't

• Do not mix household hazardous waste together
• Do not pour household hazardous waste down drains or storm drains
• Do not dispose of household hazardous waste with the trash
• Do not bury household hazardous waste
• Do not pour on the ground