Hazardous Waste Summary Even if you use them properly, many chemicals can still harm human health and the environment. When you throw these substances away, they become hazardous waste. Some hazardous wastes come from products in our homes. Our garbage can include such hazardous wastes as old batteries, bug spray cans and paint thinner. U.S. residents generate 1.6 million tons of household hazardous waste per year. Hazardous waste is also a by-product of manufacturing. You may have hazardous wastes in your basement or garage. How do you get rid of them? Don’t pour them down the drain, flush them, or put them in the garbage. See if you can donate or recycle. Many communities have household hazardous waste collection programs. Check to see if there is one in your area. Environmental Protection Agency National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Specifics Best Way to Get Rid of Used Needles and Other Sharps Food and Drug Administration Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Environmental Protection Agency, Indoor Environments Division Find an Expert Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Protection Agency National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Array Hazardous materials Start Here Household Products Database National Library of Medicine Journal Articles Hazardous Waste Videos and Tutorials Tox Town National Library of Medicine Related Issues ToxFAQs Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry TOXNET: Toxicology Data Network National Library of Medicine Statistics and Research TOXMAP National Library of Medicine Children ToxMystery National Library of Medicine
