1. What exactly is household hazardous waste (HHW)?
Many products found in your home are potentially hazardous waste. They contain chemical compounds that can poison, corrode, explode, or ignite when handled improperly. When discarded, they may pose a threat to health, safety and the environment. Look for the signal words on the product label: CAUTION, WARNING, DANGER, POISON.
2. What are examples of potential HHW?
Some examples include:
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leftover adhesives lawn chemicals paint thinner leftover/old gas paint strippers wood and metal cleaners pool chemicals oven cleaners drain openers fluorescent tubes (all sizes/types) |
lighter fluids wood preservatives insecticides herbicides fungicides rat poisons aerosol sprays mercury thermometers/thermostats paint and adhesive solvents |
Although already handled by the private sector, the facility will also accept antifreeze, auto batteries, used oil and oil filters in order to provide a "one-stop-shop" .
Most of these products do not usually have the word "hazardous" written on them, but they are often toxic, flammable, corrosive or reactive - all characteristics of hazardous waste.
3. How much HHW is out there?
The average U.S. household produces or generates more than 20 pounds of HHW per year. As much as 100 pounds can accumulate in the home, often remaining there until residents move out or do an extensive clean-out. In 2000 alone, Douglas and Sarpy Counties will generate approximately 1,200 tons of HHW that may pollute the drinking water, harm our children and pets, or contaminate soil, land and air.
4. Where does HHW go now?
Currently, there is no dedicated facility to accept these items in our community. So with the exception of various local collection efforts, it is suspected that these waste items are poured down the drain, into a storm sewer or end up in the landfill. Homeowners are also storing these wastes in their basements and garages. Through the Metropolitan Area Planning Agency (MAPA), local governments and citizens are working in partnership to design and build a facility. Residents of Douglas and Sarpy Counties will have a place to take household hazardous waste items. See the answer to question 26 regarding information on contacting MAPA regarding this program.
5. Why can't I just throw HHW out with the garbage?
HHW has the potential to injure workers who collect garbage or work at the landfill. In addition, even if every precaution is taken and every regulation followed, there is still the potential for HHW to contaminate the ground water when it reaches the landfill.
6. What are the dangers of improper disposal of HHW?
hHW products are sometimes disposed of improperly by individuals pouring them down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers, or putting them out with the trash. The dangers of such disposal methods may not be immediately obvious, but certain types of HHW have the potential to:
7. Will every kind of HHW be accepted?
Certain kinds of HHW that already have outlets for disposal in the community will not be accepted. These include ammunition and explosives, pathological and medical waste, radioactive materials, propane cylinders, garbage, empty containers, and non-hazardous products like soap and detergents.
No large drums or barrels can be accepted, and no container larger than five gallons will be accepted.
For unacceptable wastes, residents will be informed of alternative disposal locations or methods.
8. Will the hours and times the facility is open be convenient for residents?
Plans are for the facility to be open to meet the needs as expressed in the public meetings. We expect there will be evening and Saturday hours to meet the needs of most residents. Appointments may be made if scheduled drop-off times are not convenient.
9. Who will be eligible to use the HHW facility?
All residents of Douglas and Sarpy Counties will be eligible: households only. No waste from farms, businesses, offices, schools or institutions will be accepted.
10. Will there be a charge?
HHW will be accepted free of charge.
11. What will the HHW facility look like?
Depending upon where it is located, the facility will be designed to blend in with its surroundings and be totally oriented to providing exceptional customer service. It will be a "customer pleasing" facility.
The design is planned to be environmentally friendly, and all elements of the facility will comply with, or exceed, applicable building codes, standards of good practice and fire safety regulations. This includes its visual impact as you pass by. Exterior areas for storage or loading will be located "out-of-sight."
12. Will the facility generate odors?
No. Items will be promptly contained and packaged shortly after their arrival. The facility will be managed in such a manner as to prevent the occurrence of odors, as they would impact facility staff.
13. What kind of HHW disposal activities will take place at the facility and how long will materials be stored there?
None. No disposal activities take place at all. The purpose of the facility is to consolidate what is collected and provide short-term storage until they are picked up for recycling or disposal at other waste disposal facilities. Like the grocery, hardware and automotive store where these products originate, and the location in your home where they are stored, the facility is only another temporary location before they reach their final destination.
14. Who will oversee the HHW facility?
Depending on where the facility is built, that jurisdiction will take the lead in managing the facility (i.e., the city or the county). Interlocal agreements will be established to ensure that residents of Douglas and Sarpy Counties have convenient access.
A Citizens Advisory Board, which will offer input on the facility's operation, is a possibility that has worked in other programs. We hope that through public forums and the advisory board, citizens will become partners in designing the facility and in its operation.
15. What about traffic? Will there be a lot of cars and trucks going into and out of the facility?
Experience at other similar facilities, such as that in Des Moines, Iowa, have proven that normally from 10 - 50 cars visit the facility each day during the four to six hours that it is open to the public. Truck traffic is what one would expect at a typical small business: UPS, postal, and occasionally other delivery trucks. About once every six weeks, a contractor picks up the collected HHW for transport to appropriate disposal facilities.
16. What happens to HHW after it leaves the facility?
HHW is categorized, consolidated and temporarily stored in preparation for transport to HHW recycling, treatment or disposal facilities. These facilities are licensed to environmentally dispose of or recycle HHW.
17. How will I prepare items for disposal?
Each item should be kept in its original container. If it is not in its original container, it should be labeled. Never mix two household chemicals in the same container. Check lids and tops to prevent leaks and spills. During transportation to the facility, placing the containers in a lined box is suggested.
18. What will happen when customers arrive at the HHW collection facility?
Each customer will be greeted by a technician, who will then unload HHW from the customer's vehicle and transfer it inside the facility to the sorting area for processing. The technician will discuss with the citizen the chemicals to ascertain the age or identity of any unlabeled products. Customers will be encouraged to take advantage of the "Swap Shop" before they leave the facility.
19. What is the "Swap Shop" and what types of products will be available?
The "Swap Shop" will offer good, usable products that have been dropped off at the facility. A variety of household cleaners, garden products, automotive products, paints, stains varnishes, and hobby supplies will be generally available. Types and quantities of products will vary depending on what customers drop off. Some limitations are imposed by state law.
20. What about tires and old appliances?
We do not want to duplicate services that are already available. Generally, tire and appliance retailers accept the old items as an extension of their service and dispose of them for a nominal fee. The primary purpose for the facility will be the management of our community's HHW, unless the public expresses other desires and commensurate funding is identified.
21. What should I do with HHW in the meantime?
Read the label for disposal instructions. If the product is designed to go down the drain with normal use (such as household cleaners), it can be flushed down the drain (toilet) with large amounts of water (2 or 3 flushes). Many water-based products may be dried out and placed with the rest of your garbage. Many retailers collect and dispose of HHW products which originate at their stores, for example: the tires and appliances as referenced above, auto batteries, rechargeable batteries, waste oil and antifreeze. A great deal of information is available on this site.
22. What about the containers that held HHW?
Empty containers that held HHW can be placed in the garbage or recycled where available and allowed. Containers are considered empty when all contents which can be practically removed, have been removed.
23. What are some general tips for storage and use of household chemical products?
Proper disposal will be offered by the HHW facility that is being planned.
24. What can I do to reduce HHW risks?
Reduce by purchasing only the amount you need. Reuse the products by donating unused portions to friends or community organizations. Recycle leftover HHW products that are recyclable and dispose of the others safely by participating in a local household hazardous waste collection program.
Never leave household hazardous products or waste within reach of children or pets. When possible, buy products with less harmful ingredients (read the labels) or buy non-hazardous alternatives.
When using a product, read and follow the label directions, never mix it with other products, and use it up entirely.
25. Where can I get more information, and what can I do to help?
For other questions, to receive more information or to make suggestions, please contact the Metropolitan Area Planning Agency (MAPA) at 402-444-6866.
26. Who is the core group working on this project?
Papio-Missouri River Natural Resource District |
27. Will the public be able to get weed and pest control products in the proposed facility's 'Swap Shop'?
Yes, the public will be able to swap pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and rodenticides within limitations. As with all materials placed in the Swap Shop, we will need to limit the materials to those that can be safely placed there and that meet several criteria. For example, the container must be in reasonably good condition and the label must be fully readable. Also, materials placed there must fall within state and federal regulations. Pesticides and herbicides are regulated by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDAg), which uses regulations written by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. We have already begun discussions with the NDAg and will work closely with them to comply with these regulations and still provide these materials through the Swap Shop. In general, the Swap Shop shelves will contain products that are currently on the shelves of your local garden center. Older items that are no longer manufactured and restricted use products that require specific training to be used lawfully will not be placed in the Swap Shop.
28. Are my flashlight batteries a hazardous waste?
There are many types of batteries, so to be specific:
Alkaline and zinc chloride (usually called Heavy Duty) batteries: These two types of batteries are the most common batteries that you would use in a flashlight. In the early 1990s these batteries were reformulated and the two hazardous elements, mercury and cadmium, were removed. Since that time, they have been deemed a non-hazardous waste as confirmed by EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) methods of testing. You may hear that in other areas of the country these batteries are banned from the garbage. The likely reason is that they incinerate their garbage and the metal housing of the batteries should not be disposed in this manner. Many battery materials such as iron, manganese, zinc and potassium are all elements essential to humans, animals and plants (just check your vitamin bottle!).
Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cad) and lead acid batteries: These two types of batteries contain potentially hazardous material, are regulated, and must be recycled. Battery specialty stores (look under batteries in the yellow pages) often offer a recycling program for these batteries. The website of the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (www.rbrc.com) has more resource information on recycling Ni-Cad batteries.
All other battery types: This includes nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium ion, and all button cell batteries like those used in hearing aides and watches. NiMH and lithium are not hazardous but still may be recyclable at battery specialty stores (look under batteries in the yellow pages). Some button cell batteries may contain minute quantities of potentially hazardous waste, but this number is ever-decreasing. Generally, stores such as hearing aide centers, jewelers, and watch repair centers will collect and properly dispose/recycle button cell batteries.
29. What design safety features are being designed into the facility?
Please refer to the Environmental Protection & Safety page to read about facility safety features.