Managing Hazardous Household Waste

Sustainability really does start at your sink. Here are a few simple suggestions that can help you reduce and dispose of hazardous materials safely.

1. Read the label. Make sure that the product you buy will do the job you intend it to do because once you own it you are also responsible for its safe disposal.
2. Read and follow all directions on how to use the products you buy and how to dispose of them.
3. Buy natural, environmentally safe products whenever possible
4. The Freetown Board of Health offers a Hazardous Waste Drop Off Day for disposing paint, batteries, or other hazardous materials.
5. Never burn or dispose of any chemical or hazardous waste by pouring it down the drain, sewer, or on the ground
6. Recycle everything you can. When in doubt contact your recycling provider or your town Department of Public Health for more information.

Household Waste Chart provided by the Water Environment Federation. The information in the chart is intended as a general guideline.

For guidelines on how to safely manage hazardous household products, visit the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection website.