What is Household Hazardous Waste?

When leftover paint, pool chemicals, used oil, gasoline, fertilizers, pesticides, automobile fluids, or any other product containing dangerous materials is discarded, it becomes "household hazardous waste." 

How can I tell if a product is hazardous?
Read the label. All hazardous products must include a label that has the words "poison," "toxic," "warning," "danger" and "caution."  These products are hazardous because they contain at least one of the following chemicals:

		Corrosive: Eats away materials and living tissue.
		Flammable: Can be easily set on fire.
		Reactive: Can create an explosion when exposed to heat, sudden shock, or pressure.
		Toxic: Poisonous or lethal when ingested, inhaled, or touched.

Disposing of Hazardous Waste:
Broward County operates two Hazardous Waste Sites. The hours of operation are Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additionally, there are 1-day Hazardous Waste and Recycling Collection events held periodically.

Hazardous Waste and Recycling Collection Events Calendar

Acceptable Material:
During these events, Hollywood residents can drop off the following materials:

		Paint thinners
		Paint strippers
		Spot removers
		Pool Chemicals
		Furniture Polish
		Oil-based paints
		Oven & drain cleaners
		Automotive fluids (not oil)
		Solvents
		Gasoline
		Fertilizers
		Mercury
		Pesticides

Only the above items will be accepted. Leave products sealed in original containers. Place in cardboard box or plastic tray. Don't mix materials.

Why can't I just put these materials in with my garbage?
Household hazardous waste is sometimes disposed of improperly by individuals pouring waste down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers or putting them out with the trash where they could possibly contaminate our drinking water supply.

The dangers of such disposal methods may not be immediately obvious, but certain types of household hazardous waste have the potential to cause physical injury to sanitation workers; contaminate septic tanks or wastewater treatment systems if poured down drains or toilets; and present hazards to children and pets if left around the house. 

What about used motor oil and paint:
Every Friday and Saturday, Broward county residents can bring their motor oil and paint to the Broward County South Trash Transfer Station located at 5601 W. Hallandale Beach Boulevard from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

		Latex paint (one gallon size only)
		Batteries (car, boat and button)
		Used motor oil
		Tires (a maximum of four per visit)

You must show two pieces of ID to use the site (driver's license and utility bill).

Unacceptable Materials:

		Commercial waste
		Yard Waste
		Medical Waste
		White Goods
		Trash

HELPFUL TIPS:

		Only buy what you need.
		Read labels carefully and use only as directed.
		Keep hazardous products out of reach of children.
		Keep materials in original containers.
		Do not remove product labels.
		Do not mix products together.
		Use alternative products which are less hazardous. Here are some friendly recipes:
		Powdered cleaners: sprinkle surfaces with borax or baking soda and wipe away with a damp sponge.
		Bleach: for laundry, add ½ cup of white vinegar, baking soda or borax to your wash.
		Disinfectants: mix ½ cup of borax with one gallon hot water.
		Deodorizers: place small dishes of baking soda in problem odor areas. Deodorize surfaces by wiping with white vinegar. Houseplants also help purify the air.
		Drain cleaners: pour ½ cup of baking soda and two ounces of vinegar down the drain. When this mixture stops fizzing, flush again with boiling water. A plunger and metal drain snake are also useful tools.
		Oven cleaners: mix a paste of baking soda and hot water. Apply to oven walls and clean off with steel wool or a pumice stone.
		Rug & upholstery cleaners: sprinkle baking soda or corn starch on rugs or upholstery and vacuum up.
		Toilet cleaners: use a toilet brush with baking soda and/or borax, along with a small amount of vinegar.
		Window cleaner: mix equal parts of white vinegar and water and spray on windows. If this mixture streaks, wipe the window down with alcohol, then use the water/vinegar spray.