Hazardous Waste

What is household hazardous waste?
Some jobs around the home may require the use of products containing hazardous components. Such products may include certain paints, cleaners, stains and varnishes, car batteries, motor oil, and pesticides. The used or leftover contents of such consumer products are known as "Household Hazardous Waste."

What are the dangers of improper disposal?
Household hazardous waste 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 have a potential to cause physical injury to sanitation workers; contaminate septic tanks or wastewater treatment systems if poured down drains or toilets; and present hazards to children and pets if left around the house.

New Information About Disposing of Medical Sharps
Improper management of discarded needles and other sharps can pose a health risk to the public and waste workers. For example, discarded needles may expose waste workers to potential needle stick injuries and potential infection when containers break open inside garbage trucks or needles are mistakenly sent to recycling facilities. Janitors and housekeepers also risk injury if loose sharps poke through plastic garbage bags. Used needles can transmit serious diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis. For more information about sharps disposal, please click here.

Recycle used automotive materials!
Recycling is an excellent way to rid your home of these hazardous wastes. For example, more than 80% of automobile batteries are currently being recycled. Taking used automobile batteries, oil, or anti-freeze to auto parts stores is one way to recycle these items. Many service stations also accept these materials.

• Who can use this service?
  This service is FREE and available to all residents of Delaware County as long as the household hazardous waste was generated at the residence. It is not available to commercial, industrial, or agricultural businesses.

• Who is sponsoring this program?
  The Muncie Sanitary District is initiating this program to educate the public about household hazardous waste and, with the cooperation of East Central Recycling, is making it safe and convenient to dispose of them.