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Household Hazardous Waste

What is a Household Hazardous Waste?

Municipal

Many common household products contain chemicals that can be harmful to people, pets, and the environment if they are thrown away or disposed of improperly. These products are known as Household Hazardous Waste (HHW).

Household Hazardous Waste should never be poured down a drain, dumped on the ground, burned, or placed in the regular trash unless specifically allowed by local regulations. Instead, these materials should be taken to an approved Household Hazardous Waste collection facility or collection event.

Proper disposal helps protect public health, groundwater, surface water, and the environment

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Common HHW items include:

  • Oil-based paints and stains

  • Paint thinners and solvents

  • Automotive fluids (motor oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, transmission fluid)

  • Pesticides and herbicides

  • Household cleaners

  • Pool chemicals

  • Fertilizers

  • Propane cylinders (where accepted)

  • Mercury thermometers

  • Fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs

  • Rechargeable batteries

  • Lithium-ion batteries

  • Aerosol cans (if not completely empty)

  • Hobby chemicals and adhesives

Municipal solid waste does NOT include:

Some materials require specialized disposal or are handled through separate recycling programs. These may include:

  • Ammunition

  • Explosives or fireworks

  • Medical waste and sharps

  • Radioactive materials

  • Commercial hazardous waste

  • Large propane tanks

  • Asbestos

  • Tires

  • Electronics (unless accepted through the HHW program)

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Household Hazardous Waste (paint, pesticides, chemicals)

✗ Electronics (e-waste)

✗ Waste Tires

✗ Appliances containing refrigerants

✗ Medical waste

✗ Construction and demolition debris

 

**These materials require special handling or recycling programs.

Waste Management and Environment Impact

Improper disposal of household hazardous waste can:

  • Contaminate soil and groundwater

  • Pollute lakes, rivers, and streams

  • Damage septic systems and wastewater treatment plants

  • Create fire and explosion hazards

  • Harm sanitation workers

  • Endanger pets and wildlife

  • Release toxic chemicals into the environment

Many HHW products contain chemicals that remain hazardous long after they are no longer needed

 

Handle Household Hazardous Waste Safely

  • ✔ Keep products in their original labeled containers.

  • ✔ Never mix different chemicals together.

  • ✔ Store hazardous products out of reach of children and pets.

  • ✔ Take unwanted chemicals to an approved Household Hazardous Waste collection program.

  • ✘ Never pour chemicals down drains, onto the ground, or into storm sewers.

  • ✘ Never burn hazardous household products.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) works with counties and regional organizations to support Household Hazardous Waste collection programs throughout the state. Many Kansas counties operate permanent HHW collection facilities or sponsor collection events where residents can safely dispose of hazardous household products at little or no cost. Businesses generally may not use household hazardous waste co llection programs unless specifically authorized. Commercial hazardous waste is regulated separately.

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The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) regulates municipal solid waste facilities to ensure they operate safely and comply with state and federal environmental standards. They administers permits to ensure all solid waste facilities are operated in a manner that protects human health and the environment.​

KDHE - Bureau of Waste Management

KDHE - Solid Waste Programs

Kansas Waste Disposal Sites - Report with Maps

HHW Management in the Lake Region

Lake Region Solid Waste Association works with member counties to provide safe Household Hazardous Waste collection opportunities for resident

Never leave hazardous waste outside a collection facility after hours.

 

​​​Specific details are available on each of the county pages: Anderson, Coffey, Franklin, Linn, Miami, Osage, and Shawnee.

Handling and Transporting HHW Safely 

Before transporting HHW:

  • Keep products in their original containers whenever possible.

  • Make sure lids are tightly sealed.

  • Never mix different chemicals together.

  • Place containers upright in a sturdy box or plastic tote. 

  • If a container is leaking, place it inside a larger plastic container with absorbent material before transport.

  • Transport materials in the trunk or cargo area of your vehicle.

  • Keep chemicals away from children and pets.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I throw leftover paint in the trash?

Latex (water-based) paint may often be disposed of in the regular trash once it has completely dried or been solidified, depending on local regulations. Oil-based paint should be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste collection program.

 

Can I pour chemicals down the drain?

No. Household chemicals should never be poured into sinks, toilets, storm drains, or ditches.

 

Are fluorescent light bulbs hazardous?

Yes. Fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) contain small amounts of mercury and should be recycled through approved collection programs.

 

What about batteries?

Rechargeable batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and many button-cell batteries should be recycled. Some HHW facilities accept these materials, while others have separate battery collection programs.

 

Can businesses use Household Hazardous Waste facilities?

Most HHW programs are intended for residential waste only. Businesses should contact KDHE or a licensed hazardous waste contractor for disposal options.

 

Kansas Resources

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Kansas Resources 

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