Household hazardous wastes: options for management

In Canada, household hazardous waste (HHW) disposal contributes significantly to the cost of HHW collection programs. Other options such as product substitution, waste minimization, reuse, or recycling should be considered to help reduce costs and disposal concerns. An estimate of the volumes and types of HHW accumulated by collection programs, their recycling and reuse options, and treatment and disposal requirements are represented. Recycling, reuse, or disposal of collected wastes depends upon the market for the recycled material, the availability of recycling or disposal facilites, transportation facilities, and the potential to reuse the waste material without treatment. The costs of disposing of HHW are relatively high but can be offset by co-funding from manufacturing associations and local businesses. Public education can assist in reducing the volumes of HHW and public pressure is also forcing companies to eliminate hazardous compounds in household products. -from Authors