Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste, or HHW, is any chemical or product that can cause serious illness or pose an environmental or health threat if improperly stored, transported, or disposed of. When hazardous waste is disposed of in the trash, down the drain, or on the ground, our water and soils can be contaminated or trash collectors can be harmed. Most products labeled dangerous, flammable, poison, combustible and corrosive are considered hazardous waste.

Special Disposal for HHW:

• Keep it out of the drains, storm sewers, and off the ground. Chemicals disposed of through these methods can pollute rivers, lakes and aquifers.
• Keep it out of the trash. Hazardous products can cause a problem for waste haulers and at waste facilities

If you can’t use up household hazardous chemicals or give them to someone who will, take the items to The Recycling Zone, Dakota County’s recycling facility in Eagan, MN. Residents can bring most items to The Recycling Zone for free.

HOW TO REDUCE HAZARDOUS WASTE

There are some simple ways to reduce Household Hazardous Waste, or HHW, in our homes.

• Read product labels to judge the hazard level and choose products that contain less harmful ingredients. Look for signal words like poison, danger, warning and caution.
• Reduce the number of hazardous cleaning products in your home. Use one general-purpose cleaner for multiple jobs or non-toxic "green" cleaners such as baking soda, lemon juice or vinegar.
• Reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides in your yard. Find "how-to" tips on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s website.