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by Chloe Lee
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW), also referred as domestic hazardous waste or home-generated special materials, is common household waste with properties that contain harmful chemicals or substances that are harmful to humans and the environment.
When toxic waste is thrown away carelessly, it can pollute the soil and water, harming plants and animals. Not only our surroundings, but people can also get sick from exposure to harmful chemicals, which can cause breathing problems and skin issues. Due to numerous consequences, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set many regulations. Cleanup costs can be high for cities and taxpayers, and there may be legal penalties for not disposing of waste correctly. Additionally, unsafe storage can create dangers in communities, increasing the risk of accidents.
One of the examples of household hazardous waste include paint, which contains toxic chemicals such as volatile organic compounds (VOC). Improper disposal of paint may lead to air pollution by the release of VOCs in the air.
In order to prevent health and environmental risks of household hazardous waste, it is important for people to reduce the amount of hazardous products they buy. However, since consumers’ purchase of these products are inevitable, people should pay attention to proper disposal. The best way is disposal at Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facilities. There are designated locations where residents can safely drop off hazardous materials from their homes for proper disposal or recycling with their vast knowledge and experiences.
Citations
“Household Hazardous Waste.” Household Hazardous Waste - an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics, www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/household-hazardous-waste#:~:text=Household%20hazardous%20waste%20(HHW)%20(,and%20sold%20for%20home%20use. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.
EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, www.epa.gov/hw/household-hazardous-waste-hhw. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.
“Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facilities.” Department of Environmental Conservation, dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/waste-management/solid-waste-management-facilities/household-hazardous-waste-collection-facilities. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.
“Household Hazardous Waste.” City of Whitehorse, 21 Oct. 2024, www.whitehorse.ca/event/household-hazardous-waste-day/.
“Recycle Your Paint with Household Hazardous Waste Collection.” Yahoo! Finance, Yahoo!, sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/recycle-paint-household-hazardous-waste-194200734.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAACunRrir9A949UdEVH9jUcs9wrM6V6eb7MO8uOrEjIP77SCdnpFaSH0Xku0sDjF8DIGNxvLOFSBI6v2h5nQKYBQ84z7FCOxjIHkEEAqcPC-jO8hB-14RBjZCDhIxOwm4c3HnHgQhCLMxsAtKj8Zb5bbnEQe0j9WVb1-5roKry_ax. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.
“Household Hazardous Waste.” City of Whitehorse, 21 Oct. 2024, www.whitehorse.ca/event/household-hazardous-waste-day/.
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