Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)
Program Manager: Cheryl Burton-Fentress

Some jobs around the home may require the use of products containing hazardous components. These products include oil based paints (including stains, strippers and varnishes); household cleaners, automotive products, pesticides, fertilizers and other yard products. Even electronics such as televisions and computer monitors contain hazardous components. All of these items become "household hazardous waste" (HHW) when they are no longer usable or no longer wanted.  HHW products can be identified by such words as "warning," "danger," "toxic," "corrosive," "irritant," "flammable" or "caution" found on their labels.

When HHW is disposed of in trash, it can contaminate landfills, and subsequently, our groundwater. When dumped onto the ground or poured into the storm sewer, HHW can contaminate surface water. In either case, water contamination results in higher water treatment costs and has a detrimental effect on the ecosystem.

The average American household generates 15 pounds of HHW annually. Our homes contain an average of three to eight gallons of hazardous materials in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and workshops. The best strategy to relieve the environmental impact of household hazardous waste on our waterways and landfills is to implement the four "Rs": Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rebuy and use less toxic alternatives to hazardous household products.

Commitment Statement:  Harris county will provide residents the ability to dispose of household chemicals and other hazardous household items used in their homes in the most cost efficient, safe and environmentally compliant manner.

 

 

Household Hazardous Waste Menu

HHW Home
Facility Information
Disposal Tips
Preparing HHW for Transport
Business Waste
HazMobile Events
Collection Sites
Watershed Home