Recycling Household Hazardous Waste In North Dakota

• FACT: Americans generate 1.6 million tons of HHW per year.
• FACT: The average U.S. household generates more than 20 pounds of household hazardous waste per year.
• FACT: The average home can accumulate as much as 100 pounds of HHW in the basement and garage and in 
  storage closets.

What is Household Hazardous Waste?
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) is any waste, produced in the home, which contains hazardous substances, which may pose threat to the environment, wildlife, and human health. Products containing hazardous substances are often labeled with words such as: toxic, flammable, corrosive, reactive, danger, warning, caution, flammable, explosive, do not use near open flame, and other cautionary words. Hazardous products become hazardous waste once the consumer no longer has any use for them.

Why is Household Hazardous Waste a Concern?
Because when hazardous substances are put into the trash, they end up in landfills. When they are burned, the environment becomes polluted with toxic chemicals. And when put into the local storm drains, hazardous waste enters our water supply and threatens health. Hazardous waste enters the environment through landfills, incinerators, lawns, and sewers. As citizens of North Dakota, it is our responsibility to properly dispose of household hazardous waste. Please help to protect the health and quality of our water, wildlife, and children.

Benefits of Proper Household Hazardous Waste Management

• Reduction and recycling of HHW conserves resources and energy that would be expended in the production of more products.
• Reuse of hazardous household products can save money and reduce the need for generating hazardous substances.
• Proper disposal prevents pollution that could endanger human health and the environment.

To avoid the potential risks associated with household hazardous wastes, it is important that people always monitor the use, storage, and disposal of products with potentially hazardous substances in their homes. Below are some tips for individuals to follow in their own homes:

• Use and store products containing hazardous substances carefully to prevent any accidents at home. Never store hazardous products in food containers; keep them in their original containers and never remove labels. Corroding containers, however, require special handling. Call your local hazardous materials official or fire department for instructions.
• When leftovers remain, never mix HHW with other products. Incompatible products might react, ignite, or explode, and contaminated HHW might become unrecyclable.
• Remember to follow any instructions for use and disposal provided on product labels.
• Call your local environmental, health, or solid waste agency for instructions on proper use and disposal and to learn about local HHW drop off programs and upcoming collection days.

List of Common HHW Products
The following list shows common household items containing potentially hazardous ingredients that might be found in your garage, basement, or other storage space in your home.

North Dakota Household Hazardous Waste State Contact
Division of Waste Management
Department of Health Management and Special Studies
1200 Missouri Ave, Room 302
PO Box 5520
Bismarck, North Dakota 58506-5520
Phone: (701) 328-5166
Fax: (701) 328-5200
http://www.health.state.nd.us/ndhd/environ/wm/hwp/hhw.htm

Links to Household Hazardous Waste Information:

Household Waste Management:
http://www.epa.gov/seahome/housewaste/src/title.htm

Window to my Environment:
http://www.epa.gov/enviro/wme/

Learn About Chemicals Around Your House:
http://www.epa.gov/oppt/kids/hometour/tour.htm

City of Fargo HHW:
http://ci.fargo.nd.us/SolidWaste/hhw.htm

City of Grand Forks HHW:
http://www.grandforksgov.com/Services/hazmat.htm

City of Minot HHW:
http://web.ci.minot.nd.us/Departments.htm

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