ENVIRONMENT YUKON
Camping & Wilderness Parks & Conservation
Wildlife &
Biodiversity		 Monitoring the
Environment
Fishing Hunting & Trapping
Education
& Youth		 Publications,
Maps & Data

Household Hazardous Waste: A Guide to Handling and Disposal

The Problem

Many everyday products used around the house have the potential to harm human health or the environment. Paints, thinners and solvents, cleaning products, pesticides, aerosol cans, motor oil, antifreeze, lead/acid batteries, smoke alarms, fluorescent lights and some personal care items are examples of common hazardous materials found in homes.

In the past, the potential dangers of these products and their wastes were not well understood. Today we know that improper handling of Household Hazardous Products (HHP) and Household Hazardous Wastes (HHW) can cause:


Ø groundwater contamination

Ø surface water contamination

Ø soil contamination

Ø poisoning of the food chain

Ø harm to the health and lives of people and wildlife

Ø local air pollution

Ø fires and explosions

Since households are a major source of potentially dangerous products and wastes, we all need to do our part to make sure they are handled and disposed of properly.

The Solution: Choose and Use Wisely

The first step in reducing the risk is to reduce the use of hazardous products:

· Avoid hazardous products by using environmentally friendly alternatives.

· Buy only the amount you need to do the job.

· Use all that you buy.

· If you can't use all of the product, trade or give the remainder to someone else who can use it.

Once you have purchased a hazardous product, protect yourself and others by using it properly; most hazardous products present a danger only when they are handled carelessly.

· Where possible, use hazardous products outside or in a well ventilated area.

· Follow the label instructions.

· Use the recommended amount.

· Wear appropriate protective clothing, glasses, and gloves.

· Clean up well when you're done.

· Store the unused portion in the original sealed container out of the reach of children and animals.

· NEVER mix hazardous products.

Disposal Options

If you can't find someone to use the remainder of the product, it is your responsibility to arrange for proper disposal. The Special Waste Regulations under Yukon 's Environment Act prohibit the release of household hazardous wastes into the environment. You don't need a permit to generate or store your own household hazardous waste or to transport it to an approved disposal facility, but you do need to handle it carefully and dispose of it properly. There are several options for proper disposal:

1.      Annual Special Waste Collection

The Department of Environment ships special wastes out of the Yukon once a year. The Department pays for collecting and transporting the wastes, while the person who generates the waste is responsible for the disposal costs, which vary depending on the type and volume of special waste collected. This service is available to special waste generators in all Yukon communities, and is usually held each year in the fall. For more information, please contact the Environmental Programs Branch.

2.      Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days

Watch for advertisements of household hazardous waste collection days in your community. These events are sponsored by community organizations with financial and technical support from the Department of Environment. If your organization is interested in holding a household hazardous waste collection day in your community, please contact the Environmental Programs Branch for details.

3.      Collection by a Permitted Facility

Several Yukon businesses have permits to collect certain kinds of special waste from generators for proper treatment or disposal. Please contact the Environmental Programs Branch for a current list of permitted facilities.

Disposal Methods

 Waste  Preferred Disposal Method
Waste Oil  Participate in the annual Special Waste Collection, a local HHW Collection, or try to find a local special waste management facility with an oil burner that will accept your oil
Antifreeze  Participate in the annual Special Waste Collection or a local HHW Collection
Aerosol Cans (empty or not)  Participate in the annual Special Waste Collection or a local HHW Collection
Thinners/Solvents/Cleaners  If it has a hazardous symbol or warning, participate in the annual Special Waste Collection or a local HHW Collection
Paints  Dry out oil or water-based paint in a covered, well-ventilated area and then dispose wiith regular garbage, or take to Whitehorse dump's paint exchange program
Pesticides  Participate in the annual Special Waste Collection or a local HHW Collection
Automotive Batteries  Participate in the annual Special Waste Collection, a local HHW Collection, or take to the designated area in the Whitehorse dump
Medication  Contact your pharmacy; most have informal prescription take-back programs 

Spills

The Special Waste Regulations state that a person who possesses or controls a special waste at the time of a release (spill), or who causes a release, must report the incident . Containment and clean-up action should begin as soon as possible to protect human health and the environment.

 Spills must be reported immediately to the
Yukon Spills Report Centre in Whitehorse at (867) 667-7244
(24 hour service), or an Environment Protection Officer.

Collect calls are accepted


Other Topics

Fact Sheets are also available on the following topics:

Handling and disposal of household hazardous wastes
contact us

 

Last Updated: December 31, 1969 | © 2008 Government of Yukon | Copyright | Privacy Statement | Disclaimer