When I'm handling and disposing household waste, which products require special care?
What is the proper way to dispose of these products?
Where can I take household hazardous waste for disposal?
What's the best way to transport hazardous materials to a waste collection center?
Until I'm ready to throw away household hazardous products, how should I store them?
When I'm handling and disposing household waste, which products require special care?
There are four basic types of household hazardous waste:
What is the proper way to dispose of these products?
The best way to get rid of corrosive, reactive, toxic, or ignitable materials is to bring them to one of the five Hazardous Waste Collection Centers in Chatham, Durham, Orange, and Wake Counties. We'll be sure to recycle, process, or dispose of your hazardous materials properly.
If you need to throw out latex paint, remember that dried latex paint can be safely disposed of with household garbage. You can dry it out by mixing in some kitty litter, sawdust, or sand and allowing it to dry out thoroughly in the sun. Make sure to stir to ensure it is completely dried out. The paint and can may be thrown out with your trash as long as the lid is removed. (Note: All oil-based paints should be brought to one of our area's collection centers.)
Where can I take household hazardous waste for disposal?
Our area offers five collection centers located throughout the Triangle. Residents of Chatham, Durham, Orange, and Wake Counties are asked to bring household hazardous waste to one of our collection centers.
What are samples of Household Hazardous Waste are accepted by these collection facilities? Which types are not accepted?
ACCEPTIBLE:
UNACCEPTIBLE:
Some facilities have separate programs that accept auto batteries, antifreeze, motor oil, oil filters, thermometers, and electronic equipment. Call your local solid waste management department for details.
What's the best way to transport hazardous materials to a waste collection center?
Do not mix products. If possible, leave all products in their original containers with the labels intact. Put all containers inside a cardboard box lined with newspaper and put the box in the trunk of your car. Do not leave containers in your car in extreme heat. (above 80 degrees)
Until I'm ready to throw away household hazardous products, how should I store them?
Carefully store them in a dry, cool, and safe place. Secure materials with a tight lid and always try to use the original container. If the container is leaking, store the entire damaged container inside a larger one and surround the container with a non-flammable, absorbent material such as kitty litter, and properly label the package.
Store flammable materials, corrosives and poisons on different shelves in a locked cabinet safely away from sources of heat or flame.