Prevent Pollution from Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)
Common HHW Products
HHW products are used for cleaning, polishing, painting, cooking and pest control.
Examples include:
- cooking oil or grease
- oven cleaner
- drain cleaners
- solvents
- oil-based paints
- paint thinner
- nail polish or remover
- pesticides
- pool chemicals
- furniture polish
These products are dangerous to children and adults through direct contact. They can also pollute waterways, creating a direct threat to plants and animals and an indirect threat to humans.
Too often, these products are stored in cabinets, pantries, closets, garages or sheds because they are not used up quickly. When they take up too much space or pass their expiration date, they may be thrown in the garbage or dumped onto lawns, alleys or streets. Both options can harm rivers and creeks.
How HHW Pollutes Waterways
Half-filled products tossed in the regular garbage instead of being properly disposed of can end up in the landfill. As containers are compacted, the product can leak or seep out and drain into the ground. When it rains or floods, storm water runoff can carry these pollutants into rivers and creeks.
Products illegally dumped into storm drains empty directly into rivers and creeks. These chemicals can cause serious damage to water quality and the environment.
Tips for Safe HHW Use at Home
Use these tips when purchasing, using and storing HHW products at home to help you manage your products safely and mindfully:
- Purchasing
- Purchase products only in the quantity you need. If you have any left over product that you don't want to store, consider donating it to a friend, neighbor or group for their use.
- Reading Labels
- Read all labels on products carefully. You can usually tell that a product will require specific HHW disposal if it has the following product warnings on it: toxic, flammable or corrosive.
- Storing Safely
- Store your products safely before and after use. Follow directions for storage and make sure that their containers don't have any tears, holes or broken seals where the products can leak out onto the ground. Keep all products stored in separate containers and avoid mixing products together.
HHW Disposal
The Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) provides this service free to Solid Waste customers. Find more information about HHW Drop-Off locations and what items are accepted:
HHW Disposal
Don't get fined for San Antonio Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) violations. Dumping HHW products on the ground, in the street or into storm drains is against the law.