Household Hazardous Waste is any waste material that, when improperly handled, can cause substantial harm to not only human health and safety, but to the environment as well. These kinds of wastes are labeled as corrosive, flammable, explosive, or poisonous.

The County conducts annual Household Hazardous Waste collection events for RESIDENTS only; commercial and institutional waste is not accepted. The last events took place on June 27 and 28, 2009. If you have hazardous items that you need to dispose of, and are able to store them, please contact the County Recycling Office at 241-4841 to be placed on a list of people who will be notified prior to the next scheduled event. If you are unable to store items, please call for safe disposal instructions.

Materials listed below are examples of items accepted at the annual County Household Hazardous Waste collection events:

In The Garage: Antifreeze Car wax / polish Non-regulated auto care products Brake & transmission fluid Gasoline & other fuel Rust inhibitors Automotive batteries Hobby Area: Wood preservatives Paint strippers Household batteries Solvents Paint thinners Photo Chemicals Oil Based Paints Stains

In The House: Ammonia based cleaners Oven cleaners Drain cleaners Deodorizers Mothballs Aerosol sprays Batteries Floor wax Furniture polish Insect repellants Florescent Light Bulbs   In The Yard: Insect spray Weed killers Swimming pool chemicals Pesticides Fungicides

If a spill occurs, your first concern is your safety. If you have been exposed to toxic materials, call the Hawaii Poison Control Center at 1-800-362-3585. For medical emergencies or large spills, call the Fire Department or 911. Read the product label for exposure and spill information. Keep area well ventilated. Keep children and pets away.

Do not flush household hazardous waste down the drain… Sewage treatment plants cannot process them all and septic tanks and cesspools can be damaged by them. Also, because storm drains flow directly to the ocean, the hazardous material will eventually get into the groundwater and pollute the sea.