To put it simply, household hazardous wastes, or HHW, are the residues of potentially harmful substances that you use in your home. If disposed of improperly, HHW can be harmful to the environment, to pets and other wildlife, and to other people. Many everyday products used in your home are potentially hazardous. You can't treat hazardous wastes like other kinds of garbage.
Wastes can clog storm sewers and over-burden septic systems.
Septic tanks and sewage treatment facilities can be damaged by corrosive chemicals. Incinerating HHW may simply distribute them over a larger area. Pouring HHW on the ground can contaminate soil and water. Products labelled as corrosive, flammable, reactive or toxic should be disposed of at a HHW Collection Event. Even if they don't have warning labels, it's safe to assume that products like paint, motor oil and old propane tanks are household hazardous wastes.