HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTES - OPTIONS FOR MANAGEMENT

Household hazardous waste (HHW) disposal contributes significantly to the cost of HHW collection programs. In addition, disposal of HHW can contribute to the toxicity of leachate from landfill, heavy metals in ash from waste incinerators, and heavy metals and toxic organic compounds in composted material and sewage sludge. Other options such as product substitution, waste minimization, reuse, or recycling should be considered to help reduce costs and disposal concerns. An estimate of the volumes and types of HHW accumulated by collection programs, their recycling and reuse options, and treatment and disposal requirements are presented. Recycling, reuse, or disposal of collected wastes depends upon the market for the recycled material, the availability of recycling or disposal facilities, transportation facilities, and the potential to reuse the waste material without treatment. The costs of disposing of HHW are relatively high but can be offset by co-funding from manufacturing associations and local businesses. A disposal fee could also be applied to household hazardous products, thus placing the cost burden on the purchaser. Public education can assist in reducing the volumes of HHW and public pressure is also forcing companies to eliminate hazardous compounds in household products. If effective consumer education continues, the increasing demand for non-hazardous substitutes will significantly reduce the volume of household hazardous products, consequently reducing HHW.