Household Hazardous Materials

When toxic products are disposed of improperly (i.e. as litter, or poured down storm drains, or kitchen sinks), they have the potential to leach into the ground, become air borne, or contaminate our local watersheds and pose significant risk to humans and wildlife. Toxins can be absorbed through the air we breathe, the water we drink, and our skin.

Many commonly used products that we encounter daily in our homes are considered very toxic or hazardous to our ecosystem when they are disposed of improperly – for example household cleaners, paints, pesticides, etc.

These products are known as hazardous waste. So, it is extremely important for all homeowners to remember that once they are finished with a household chemical product, the "leftover or unused portion" should never be thrown in the garbage, poured down the kitchen sink or a neighbourhood storm drain. Instead, this hazardous material can be dropped off at an EWSWA Depot - free of charge.

Consider the products you are purchasing. It is preferable to buy "environmentally-friendly' products or use safer alternatives. If you must purchase hazardous products employ the BUD principle:

Buy only what you need;

Use it all up;

Dispose of any leftovers in the proper manner.