What do I do with…?

Household Hazardous Waste

What is Household Hazardous Waste? (from EPA) Household wastes that are toxic, corrosive, ignitable, or reactive are known as Household Hazardous Waste (HHW).

Examples: motor oil (see Auto), automobile batteries (see Batteries), paints and solvents (see Paint), household cleaners, drain openers, pesticides, compressed gas tanks (such as propane and oxygen)

Reduce

• Choose all natural house cleaners and sprays - check out the Missoula Valley Water Quality District primer on alternatives to toxic products

• Use drain unclogging tools instead of chemical drain cleaners

• Choose pesticide alternatives such as beneficial insects

• Make your own non-toxic windshield spray - mix of three-parts vinegar to one-part water to keep your windshield free of ice and frost

Reuse

• Home ReSource takes donations of some HHW such as cleaners and paints, depending on their condition and current store inventory; Consult their Donations Acceptance Policy before donating

Recycle

• In the past Missoula has held Haz Waste Days, a hazardous waste recycling and disposal event

• A new year-round hazardous waste collection facility is projected to be up and running by late 2023

  **Check out the Year-Round Disposal Guide put together by the Missoula Valley Water Quality District.