Safe Disposal of Household Hazardous Waste

Household cleaning and maintenance often involve products that, while effective, can be harmful if not disposed of properly. Pesticides, engine degreasers, oven cleaners, oil paints, and other hazardous materials pose risks to human health and the environment. When these products are thrown in the trash or poured down storm drains, they can contaminate drinking water sources. Here’s how you can responsibly manage and dispose of these potentially dangerous substances:

1. Share Usable Products

Before discarding hazardous products, check if they are still usable. Consider giving them to friends, family, or local organizations that can use them up safely. Sharing not only helps reduce waste but also prevents these products from becoming environmental hazards.

3. Opt for Less Toxic Alternatives

Where possible, choose less toxic alternatives for cleaning and maintenance. Many products on the market today are designed to be more environmentally friendly and less hazardous to human health. By selecting safer options, you reduce the risk of pollution and contribute to a healthier environment.

3. Participate in Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day

For products that are no longer usable, take advantage of the City’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day, typically held in May. This event is designed to provide a safe and environmentally friendly way to dispose of toxic substances.

By providing a convenient way to properly dispose of hazardous materials, these collection days protect public health and the environment in several key ways:

• Preventing toxic substances from being released into the air, water or soil where they can harm people, wildlife and ecosystems
• Allowing responsible recycling and treatment of certain materials like used motor oil, batteries and electronics
• Keeping hazardous wastes out of municipal landfills and incinerators not designed to handle them
• Raising public awareness about identifying and safely storing hazardous household products

The Household Hazardous Waste Day in Auburn Hills on May 11th was a great success, with 258 vehicles dropping off over 23,000 pounds of hazardous waste! This included everything from pesticides and oil-based paints to batteries, electronics and mercury devices. Thanks to the hard work of the city’s Department of Public Works, all of these potentially dangerous materials were properly processed instead of contaminating the community. Participation from conscientious residents made the event a major win for a cleaner, safer environment.

Tim Wisser, Manager of Municipal Properties