Household hazardous waste materials are used or leftover contents of consumer products including:

• Car batteries
• Certain paints
• Cleaners
• Motor oil
• Pesticides
• Stains
• Varnishes

These products should be maintained in a safe, dry place away from children, heat, flames, or freezing conditions. Store the waste in its original container and keep the original label intact. Containers displaying corrosion should be repackaged and relabeled. To prevent toxic chemical reactions, do not mix household hazardous waste products together.

Curb Your Consumption

Help alleviate the accumulation of hazardous waste by purchasing amounts that can be completely used. Options to dispose of unused chemicals include sharing leftover substances with neighbors, donating to organizations that need the chemicals, or taking the material to a local household hazardous waste collection program (the City of Minot landfill site has an area designated for hazardous household waste).

Legal / Illegal Disposal Methods

It is illegal to dispose of lead-acid batteries and automobile oil in landfills. Vendors must accept batteries on a trade-in basis. Many filling stations collect used oil as a service to customers. Hazardous waste must not be poured down to the drain, on the ground, or into storm sewers where it may contaminate ground water, wells, rivers, and lakes. In these environments, waste threatens plants, fish, and other wildlife as well as the quality of drinking water. Improper storage in the home presents health risks to the entire family.

Resources

Check with the Minot office 701-857-7615 - concerning acceptable waste types and proper disposal procedure. County Extension Agents can provide information about available programs for the collection of farm and household pesticides (Ward County Extension Service 701-857-6454).