Household Hazardous Waste

hazardous waste

When you have a large project like a renovation, remodel, or clean up, you generate a lot of waste, which presents you with the issue of having to dispose of it. Among that waste is usually some household hazardous waste, and there are special rules for disposing of it. Adding to that challenge is that most people aren’t aware of how many things qualify as common hazardous waste.

For the disposal of waste, there are a number of options. First, it’s important to note that putting it out for regular trash pickup probably isn’t going to be an option. That’s because there’s either too much of it, it’s too large, or it’s material (like hazardous household waste) that you can’t legally put into a trash bin.

One disposal option is taking the trash to a landfill, but that requires a pickup truck and might take multiple trips, so it’s not a convenient option for everyone. Calling a junk removal service is another option, and it’s the easiest since all you have to do is sit back and let someone else do the work, but you typically pay by volume, so the more waste there is, the more you’re going to play.

A third option is renting a roll-off dumpster. This option has many advantages, which we’ll discuss in the next section, but you have to keep in mind something important: it’s not legal to dispose of hazardous waste in a dumpster. Knowing what common hazardous waste is and what some of the disposal options are is something we’ll get to as well.

What’s a Roll-Off Dumpster?

A roll-off dumpster is a large rectangular bin with an open top, and it’s “rolled” off a hydraulic truck bed onto a flat surface such as a driveway or section of yard (you usually can’t place them on the street). This is unlike the commercial dumpsters you may be used to seeing behind restaurants and stores; those have lids and are usually for larger volumes of “regular” waste.

Instead, the open-topped roll-off dumpsters have tops that are low enough to deposit most waste into. In some cases, these dumpsters have double doors on one end for even easier access when getting rid of larger items.

It’s hard to beat the convenience of these dumpsters. You decide how long you need it for, and then once it’s delivered, you fill it on your own schedule. Once the pickup date arrives, the rental company sends a truck back out, picks up the dumpster, and hauls everything away.

You do have to remember, once again, that you can’t legally put just anything into a roll-off dumpster. Dumping prohibited items into a rental dumpster can result in stiff fines or extra fees from the company, so it’s important to know what you can and can’t put into one.

Household Hazardous Waste

Most people want to do the right thing and dispose of hazardous waste properly, but they need to know what qualifies as hazardous waste in the first place. And nobody wants to be hit with fine or extra fees.

It’s also not just a matter of the law. There are serious risks involved with household hazardous waste. One of the chief among them is the risk of it getting into waterways and contaminating water people use for drinking and for recreation. Such contaminated water can be harmful to entire ecosystems, including the people and wildlife that live within them. Other risks include fire hazards and direct threats to human health and safety (and the health and safety of pets as well).

So what are things that count as household hazardous waste that you can’t pout into dumpsters or out for regular trash pickup? That varies by state and locality, but there are a number that are fairly common:

  • Used motor oil– There are required disposal methods for this. If you don’t know them or find them burdensome, then having your oil changed at a local shop will have disposal included in what you pay.
  • Antifreeze, coolant, and brake fluid
  • Swimming pool chemicals and household chemicals such as toilet bowl cleaner, carpet cleaner, shower and tub cleaner, rust remover, and other chemical cleaning products
  • Thermometers, thermostats, and other devices containing mercury
  • Paint products. This includes latex and oil paints, wood stains, caulk, and paint remover, primer
  • Batteries of any type
  • Flammable or explosive materials such as old ammunition, gasoline, propane, etc
  • Fluorescent bulbs

It’s also helpful to know other items that are not considered household hazardous waste but which you can’t put in a dumpster or regular trash pickup:

  • Tires
  • Medical waste
  • Electronics including computers, tablets, TVs, and more
  • Appliances

Disposal Options for Household Hazardous Waste

Now let’s look at some ways you can dispose of hazardous waste. Not all of these may be options where you live; always check with local agencies.

  • Some communities may offer special collections from people’s homes. Communities may also establish a collection site for dropoff.
  • Some items may be available for recycling by mail.
  • Community stores, especially electronics stores, often make the disposal of batteries and some electronics available.
  • Local waste management companies might offer dropoff locations for household hazardous waste.

To properly manage household hazardous waste, always read and carefully follow instructions for the proper use and take note of warnings and hazards. Always store them properly to reduce the risks of leaking or exploding. Never store these products in containers that might also be used for food.

 

Rent A Roll-Off Dumpster with RGH Waste & Disposal

If you have a project generating more waste than your regular service can manage or allow, look to RGH Waste & Disposal for a dumpster rental in Orlando. You’ll get same-day or next-day delivery, and pickup is always on time as well. Even better, we offer honest, upfront, competitive pricing. What we quote you is what you’ll pay. No hidden fees or surprises.

And we’ll also know the local regulations and be able to inform you about what you can and can’t put into your rental dumpster. That lets you go about your project with peace of mind.

Request a quote today!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Lisa Flemister

Lisa is the General Manager of RGH Waste and Disposal LLC. After many years of working in waste management, Lisa has ‘seen it all’ and then some! She knows the 'ins' and 'outs' of waste disposal and has a wealth of experience from years of working with first-time dumpster renters to seasoned commercial clients.