How do you know if a product is hazardous, or if it contains hazardous elements? A first step is to look for the four hazard symbols on products you have at home.
Not all products that produce hazardous waste have hazard symbols on them because when we use them, they aren’t hazardous, like electronics. However, they can contain dangerous chemicals, and heavy metals that can leach out into our environment, if they are not disposed of properly.
The following is a partial list of examples of hazardous waste, to help you identify and separate hazardous waste from regular garbage. If you don’t see an item on the list and you suspect it may be hazardous, call your municipality and ask.
Some examples of hazardous waste
- Paints and coatings plus their containers
- Solvents
- Oil filters
- Empty lubricating oil containers – 30L or less
- Single-use and rechargeable batteries
- Unused and expired medications and syringes
- Antifreeze and its containers
- Pressured containers, like propane cylinders
- Fluorescent lights
- Fire extinguishers
- Lawn fertilizers and their containers
- Pesticides and their containers
- Electronic waste
How do you dispose of hazardous waste?
- Use the Waste Navigator on the right to find out where to drop off different kinds of waste.
- Many retailers collect hazardous waste such as used batteries, printer cartridges, and unused paint or paint cans.
- Many auto products retailers will collect waste such as used motor oil and oil containers, anti-freeze, and oil filters.
- Many pharmacies will take back unused or expired medications and syringes.
- Many municipalities have hazardous waste collection events or hazardous waste depots. Call your municipality or use the Waste Navigator to find a depot.
- Above all, never pour hazardous waste down your drain or into sewers, and do not put it out with regular garbage.
For more information on:
- Your local drop off location: use the Waste Navigator
- Hazardous waste and the Orange Drop program: Orange Drop
- Your municipality’s waste diversion program
- Electronic waste recycling
