What is Hazardous Waste?
What is Hazardous waste?
Imagine this. You're cleaning out your garage and want to clear off those shelves... but you debate whether or not some items can go straight into the landfill. You don't want to risk harming the environment or anyone handling the waste.
Don't worry -- we understand how confusing it can be!
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), hazardous waste is defined as waste with properties that make it dangerous or capable of having a harmful effect on human health or the environment.
Hazardous waste can be:
- Liquids
- Solids
- Gases
- Sludges
Why can't I put hazardous waste in my dumpster?
If hazardous waste is not disposed of properly, it can negatively affect the environment. Without proper disposable, the risk for leaks, spills and fires increase...including contaminating drinking water (YIKES!). Here are some safe places to dispose of your household hazardous waste.
Below is a list of items not allowed in 5280's dumpsters:
When working in your garage:
- Antifreeze
- Auto Body Filler
- Batteries
- Brake Fluid
- Car Cleaners
- Waxes
- Carburetor Fluid
- Diesel Fuel
- Engine Degreaser Gasoline
- Oil
- Oil Filters
- Power Steering Fluid
- Radiator Flushes
- Tires
- Transmission Fluid
Items you find in the house:
- Abrasive Cleaners
- Aerosols
- Aerosol Cans
- Ammonia-Based Cleaners
- Asbestos Roofing Tar
- Batteries
- Bleach Cleaners
- Compact Fluorescent Lights
- Compressed Gas Cylinders
- Cosmetics
- Degreasers
- Deodorizers
- Disinfectants
- Drain Openers
- Floor Cleaners or Wax
- Fluorescent Lamp Ballasts
- Furniture Polish
- Kerosene or Lamp Oil
- Laundry Products
- Mercury Switches
- Metal Cleaners
- Moth Balls
- Nail Polish or Remover
- Oven Cleaner
- Pool Chemicals,
- Propane Tanks (full or empty)
- Rug or Upholstery Cleaner
- Rust or Spot Remover
- Silver Cleaners
- Thermometers
- Thermostats
Pet, Hobby and Paint Items:
- Adhesives
- Caulks
- Glues
- Cements
- Chemistry Sets
- Driveway Sealers
- Flea Collars
- Flea Powder
- Sprays or Shampoo
- Helium Tanks
- Lacquer or Stain
- Mineral Spirits
- Model Airplane Paint
- Paint (Latex or Oil Based)
- Paint Remover or Stripper
- Paint Thinners
- Photographic Chemicals or Solutions
- Resins
- Fiberglass or Epoxy
- Rubber Cement Thinner
- Rust Proofing Products
- Turpentine
- Varnishes
- Wood Preservatives
Free paint drop off here.
Items from the Garden
- Fertilizers
- Fungicides
- Herbicides
- Insecticides
- Pesticides
- Roach or Ant Killers
- Rodent Poisons
- Soil Fumigants
- Weed Killers
Let's keep our homes and waste management staff safe! If you are ever questioning what you are allowed to put into your dumpster... don't hesitate to reach out to us at 720 884 0300!
For a version of our list that you can download and print, click below.
More from 5280 Waste
Summer Landscaping Ideas
Warm weather is here! Let’s make the most out of your backyard space. Whether you’re wanting a relaxing place to drink your coffee or the ultimate destination for guests, we’ve put together a list of simple ideas to get started on this year's landscaping projects.
Strategies for Organizing Your Garage
Is your garage an organized sanctuary or a cluttered mess? Is it even too full of STUFF you can't park your car inside? 5280 breaks down some simple tips and tricks for organizing your garage so you can make the most out of your space.
5280's Guide to Making the Most of Your Space
These days, we are looking to make our homes as livable as possible we may want to renovate and declutter our spaces to make it look new again. After spending so much time staring at the same walls, it might be worth investing in some new design concepts to make your space feel new again.