Why is Household Hazardous Waste a Potential Problem?
There are potential short and long term consequences from the improper management of household hazardous wastes. Improper storage or use of hazardous products in the home can increase the risk of accidental poisoning or injury. Disposal of household hazardous wastes in ordinary refuse could injure sanitation workers. Some products are chemically incompatible, and may lead to fires in dumpsters or garbage trucks. Pouring waste down the drain puts it directly into septic tanks or sewage treatment plants that may not be able to filter out or properly treat hazardous materials. This can lead to the contamination of groundwater or surface waters where treatment plants discharge. What Can You Do About Household Hazardous Waste? Educate Yourself. Learn more about the products that you use in your home, garden and workshop, and about how waste is managed in your community. As a York County resident, you can bring your household hazardous waste to the York County Solid Waste Authority’s Househo
