Collectively, these materials can poison our water if they are not stored carefully and disposed of properly. Many government environmental agencies consider a substance hazardous if it can catch fire, if it can react or explode when mixed with other substances, if it is corrosive, or if it is toxic. This definition includes many things that you probably are storing right now in your garage, basement, bathroom or kitchen. Some, like paint thinner or car batteries, are pretty obvious, but there are many that you might not ordinarily think of such as polishes, insecticides and glues. The improper disposal of household wastes can cause problems for the entire community.
Wastes can be explosive or highly flammable.
Sewers have exploded and garbage trucks have burned because people have carelessly discarded flammable or reactive wastes. Hazardous wastes can also be corrosive. The acid from discarded auto batteries can eat away many substances. Some wastes are poisonous to humans or wildlife, while others can cause cancer, birth defects or other serious problems. Wastewater treatment plants are not designed to handle certain types of hazardous wastes.