Household Hazardous Waste: What to Do With Chemicals You Cannot Throw Away

Most people do not realize how many hazardous chemicals are sitting in their homes right now. Under the kitchen sink, in the garage, in the garden shed — products that are perfectly legal to buy but illegal to simply throw in the trash. This guide will help you identify what you have and what to do with it.

Household hazardous waste (HHW) includes products that are flammable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic. When these materials end up in landfills, they can leach into groundwater. When poured down drains, they can disrupt wastewater treatment systems. When burned, they release toxic fumes.

Beyond the environmental impact, improper disposal can be a safety hazard for sanitation workers who handle your trash.

You may be surprised by how many everyday products qualify as hazardous waste:

• Bleach and chlorine-based cleaners
• Ammonia-based glass and surface cleaners
• Drain openers and caustic pipe cleaners
• Oven and grill cleaners
• Disinfectants in concentrated form

• Used motor oil and transmission fluid
• Antifreeze and engine coolant
• Gasoline and diesel fuel (old or contaminated)
• Brake fluid and power steering fluid
• Car batteries and battery acid

• Pesticides and insecticides
• Herbicides and weed killers
• Fungicides
• Concentrated fertilizers
• Pool chemicals and chlorine tablets

• Oil-based paints and stains (latex paint is generally not hazardous once dry)
• Paint thinners and strippers
• Varnishes, lacquers, and shellac
• Contact cement and solvent-based adhesives
• Rust removers

• Rechargeable batteries (lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium)
• Fluorescent and CFL light bulbs (contain mercury)
• Mercury thermometers and thermostats
• Old electronics and circuit boards
• Ionization-type smoke detectors

• Propane tanks and compressed gas cylinders
• Expired fire extinguishers
• Photographic chemicals
• Unknown or unlabeled containers

If you cannot dispose of hazardous materials immediately, store them safely:

• Keep in original containers whenever possible — the label contains important safety information.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
• Keep away from children and pets — store in locked cabinets if possible.
• Never mix chemicals — combining products can cause dangerous reactions.
• Check for leaks — place leaking containers inside a larger sealed container with absorbent material.

If you find an unlabeled container and are not sure what it contains, do not open it, smell it, or try to identify it yourself. Call a professional. CSRA Environmental offers unknown waste characterization services — we can safely identify the material and arrange for proper disposal.

CSRA Environmental accepts household hazardous waste from residents and small businesses throughout the Central Savannah River Area. Whether you have a single container or a garage full of accumulated chemicals, we can help.

Our team will:

• Identify and classify your materials
• Package them safely for transport
• Dispose of them through licensed facilities
• Provide documentation for your records

Not sure if what you have qualifies? Call us at 706-250-0125 and we will help you figure it out. We serve Augusta, Evans, Martinez, North Augusta, Aiken, and surrounding communities in Georgia and South Carolina.

Hazardous household chemicals are a part of everyday life — but disposing of them does not have to be complicated. The key is knowing what you have, storing it safely, and connecting with a licensed disposal provider when it is time to get rid of it.

Do not let old chemicals sit in your garage for years. The longer they sit, the more they deteriorate — and the more complicated disposal becomes. Reach out to CSRA Environmental today and we will take it from there.