Clayton County, Iowa

Household Hazardous Waste Facts

Household Hazardous Materials are a real threat to our environment, our water, and our families.

Why be concerned? Household Hazardous Materials (HHM’s) are common household items that are one of the following: 

- Toxic
- Corrosive
- Flammable
- Reactive

They contaminate our rivers, lakes and groundwater, result in emergencies involving toxic fumes, fires and explosions, and are responsible for nearly 10,000 poisonings in Iowa each year.

Iowa Poison Control Center Hotline (1-800-222-1222)
The number one cause of accidental poisonings in children is HHMs.

- Oil Based Paints
- Varnish
- Paint Thinner
- Waxes and Polishes
- Pesticides
- Herbicides
- Fertilizer
- Aerosols
- Gasoline
- Motor Oil
- Antifreeze
- Batteries
- Fluorescent bulbs and tubes
- Cleaners and Solvents

We can lower the amount of these items that are finding their way into our streams, soils,  groundwater, and us.

The best thing we can do is reduce the amount of toxic materials that enter our homes.

1. Buy environmentally safe products

- Buy the least hazardous product needed to get the job done.
- Watch labels - avoid labels with Caution, Warning, Danger or Poison
- Look for safer words like: non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, non-petroleum-based, free of ammonia, phosphates, dye or perfume, readily biodegradable, and non-fuming
- Avoid aerosols
- Watch for environmentally friendly labels like the green leaf.

For Household Hazardous Materials that do enter your home, careful attention must be taken:

2. Store HHM’s properly

3. Use HHM’s properly

4. Dispose of HHM’s properly

- Do not Dump-HHM’s should not be dumped in a ditch, sewer, or sinkhole-this leads directly to our water and environment.
- Avoid dumping toxic chemicals down the drain-again this leads directly to our water and environment.
- Do not throw in trash to avoid fire, explosions, and chemical reactions
- Use up what you buy. Buy small quantities to avoid storing for years under a sink.

Find a Household Hazardous Materials Collection Center or Collection Event to dispose of your Household Hazardous Materials. 
 
Some businesses collect recyclable HHM’s like batteries, light bulbs, and motor oil.  Check local businesses and hardware stores for recycling programs.
 
Clayton County does not have a Household Hazardous Materials Collection Center.  Watch for future Household Hazardous Materials Collection Events.

Visit www.iowadnr.gov/Environment/HouseholdHazardousMaterials to learn more about HHM’s or to locate Household Hazardous Materials Collection Centers in Iowa.
 
Below items now fall below federal and state hazardous waste standards and are not considered HHM’s.
 
Regular household alkaline batteries (AAA, AA, C, D, 6V, 9V) and lithium batteries (3V, 6V, 3V)
May be thrown away, but it is better to recycle them.
Note: Most other button batteries, rechargeable batteries and larger batteries are considered toxic and are not safe for the trash.

Lead-Free Latex paint (after 1990)
Dry out paint, remove lid, and throw away.

Last Updated on Thursday, 02 February 2012 13:17