Household Hazardous Waste

WHAT IS HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE (HHW)?

Household hazardous wastes (HHW) are those wastes produced in our households that are hazardous in nature, but are not regulated as hazardous waste under federal and state laws. Each person in Pennsylvania produces an average of four pounds of HHW each year for the total of about 25,000-tons per year statewide.

For additional information on Household Hazardous Waste, please visit the PA Department of Environmental Protection's information page.

HOW SHOULD YOU MANAGE YOUR HHW?

The best method of managing your HHW is to prevent its generation in the first place. This involves selecting the least toxic item 'to do the job' and buying only the minimum amounts necessary. Buying in large quantities is not a bargain if half of it has to be discarded. If your materials are still useable , check with friends, neighbors, churches, or other non-profit groups to see if they might be able to use it.