Household Hazardous Waste Overview

Overview

Household Hazardous Wastes (HHW) are leftover household products that can catch fire, react, or explode under certain circumstances, or that are corrosive or toxic. Typically, these items are labeled with terms like:

  • Corrosive
  • Caution
  • Combustible
  • Danger
  • Flammable
  • Poison
  • Toxic
  • Warning

While not regulated like Industrial Hazardous Waste, Household Hazardous Waste is just as dangerous to residents and the environment if not properly disposed of.

The HPC helps divert more than 150 tons of HHW a year from entering the Cinder Lake Landfill, and is the best solution for disposal of Household Hazardous Waste.

In order to utilize the HPC's services, please review the following requirements, guidelines, and limits. Small Businesses can refer to the Small Business Waste Program (SBWP) for information on Industrial Hazardous Waste.

Household Hazardous Waste Examples

Residential Program Requirements

The HPC offers a free drop-off program for City of Flagstaff and Coconino County residents to use during official business hours. The requirements to utilize this program are as follows:

  • City of Flagstaff and Coconino County residents must bring an Arizona Driver's License or State issued ID with their current address listed.
  • City Residents must bring a current City of Flagstaff Water Bill for address verification.
  • If you are a City Resident and do not have a current water bill then you must bring two articles of mail with current city address and a valid state ID proving your City residency
  • Note: The Cinder Lake Landfill has different requirements for proof of residency

Accepted Waste & Limits

View the Accepted Waste Chart to determine what is accepted at the HPC and where to take your waste. If you are unsure of what you can bring, please give the HPC a call at 928-213-2159 and we can give you a better idea of what to do with your waste. The following are the limits the HPC goes by:

  • 40 gallon waste limit per household, per day.
  • Maximum allowable container size is 5-gallons.
  • If your drop off exceeds these limits, an appointment is required for any large residential waste.
  • If you have waste not listed on the Accepted Waste Chart; call the HPC at 928-213-2159 and staff will help you determine the proper disposal method for you Household Hazardous Waste.

Transportation Safety Guidelines

When transporting Household Hazardous Waste to the HPC, please review the following safety guidelines:

  • Do not mix Household Hazardous Waste
  • Keep products in their original containers
  • If products are not in their original containers, proper labeling is required
  • Secure all containers to prevent accidental leakage
  • If containers are leaking, a secondary containment method is required
  • When transporting to the HPC, keep your vehicle well ventilated and properly secured
  • Follow all instructions from HPC staff
  • Follow all posted signage
  • There is a strict no smoking rule at the HPC

Failure to properly secure and transport your household hazardous waste can put you, your household, motorists, and HPC staff in danger.

Chemical reactions, toxic fumes, and environmental contamination are some of the consequences of improper storage and transportation of your chemicals.

Links on Household Hazardous Waste