To avoid potential risks associated with household hazardous wastes, people must monitor the use, storage, and disposal of products with potentially hazardous substances in their homes. Household hazardous waste tends to be leftover household products that can catch fire, react, or explode under certain circumstances or that are corrosive or toxic. These products might include batteries, cleaners, oils, paints, and pesticides which contain hazardous ingredients and require special care when you dispose of them. Improper disposal of these items includes pouring them down the drain, on the ground outside, into storm sewers, or putting them out with the garbage. This can be dangerous, pollute the environment, and threaten human health. Safe handling of these products includes following any instructions for use, storage, and disposal provided on the label. Be sure to read the label and follow the instructions for proper disposal to reduce the risk of products exploding, igniting, leaking, mixing with other chemicals, or posing other hazards on the way to a disposal factory. Check with your local environmental, health, or solid waste agency for more information on hazardous waste disposal management options in your area.