The EPA estimates that an average American home has as much as 100 lbs. of Household Hazardous Waste in storage. Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) is anything you use in your home that is labeled toxic, radioactive, flammable, reactive, or corrosive. This includes cleaners, paints, aerosols, household batteries and many other common household materials. These products can result in health and environmental risks if stored or used improperly.

Instead of risking improper disposal or accidental spills, take these materials to a Leelanau County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection.

Leelanau County usually holds HHW collections in the spring and fall.  To participate in a collection, you must call 256-9812 to set up an appointment time.  Click here for a list of accepted/unaccepted materials.

REMEMBER - always try to use up your household hazardous products or give to someone who can use them up safely; before taking them to a colleciton.  If you can’t use them up or take them to a collection, there may be other ways to dispose of it safely. However, it’s always better to avoid using and purchasing HHW altogether. Try using non-toxic alternatives—they’re safer and often cheaper.

Safe Storage of HHW

• Follow all directions on the container.
• Store all chemicals out of reach of children & pets.
• Always keep products in their original containers. If the product is removed from its original container, label the replacement container with the name of the product and the date you first stored it in that container. Include the name/phone number of the manufacturer and directions for safe use, storage, and disposal.
• Never use food or beverage containers as replacement containers. Ensure the container is child-resistant.
• Never mix different household chemicals. Mixing bleach with ammonia or vinegar can create toxic fumes.
• Store all hazardous products out of the sun, in tightly sealed containers, and away from heat, sparks, and flames.
• Never store these products in the same areas as food.
• Keep containers dry to prevent rusting.
• Keep products from freezing; don’t store them in an unheated garage in the winter (products labeled “flammable” or “combustible” can be stored in an unheated garage).
• Never store gasoline or other fuels indoors.
• If the container is deteriorating, place the entire container in a plastic bucket. Surround it with a nonflammable absorbent, such as kitty litter, vermiculite or floor dry to absorb spills. Label the outside of the container.

Using HHW Safely

• Read the labels. Watch for names like CAUTION, CORROSIVE, DANGER, EXPLOSIVE, FLAMMABLE, POISON, TOXIC, VOLATILE, WARNING.
• Buy only what you know you can use entirely.

AFTER YOU BUY HHW:

• Read labels carefully & follow directions for use.
• Use the recommended amounts.
• Store properly and keep in the original container with readable labels.
• Use child-resistant closures and keep them on tightly.
• Share what you can’t use with a friend or neighbor.