Toxins can interfere with septic waste decomposition. They may also end up in groundwater, sludge or nearby waterbodies. Improperly managed HHW may end up in soil, wells or waterbodies. Water may become unfit for drinking or other uses. HHW stored in dwellings pose threats to residents and the public.
Noxious gases can seep from volatile materials.
Extremely dangerous conditions to fire fighters can exist when a home is ablaze. Toxins are released into the environment from HHW during a fire. Leaking or spilled containers pose other risks. If certain substances, such as household ammonia and bleach are mixed together, deadly fumes are the result. Happily for local governments, the federal and state jurisdictions have taken on the problem of hazardous waste in a serious way.