Certain products used by homeowners are considered household hazardous waste (HHW) because if they are not disposed of correctly, they can create serious environmental hazards that can put your family, your pets, and sanitation workers at risk. For 35 years, Ohana Environmental Construction has provided the Honolulu, HI, area with effective home inspections and hazardous waste management to clear out any potential dangers that could cause harm.

To make sure your family is protected from any environmental hazards, here is what you should know about household hazardous waste:

• What Is Considered HHW? To avoid improperly disposing of harmful products, it is important for homeowners to know and monitor the substances they bring into their home. Some common HHW materials include cleaners, stain and varnishes, batteries, pesticides and herbicides, automotive fluids, and certain paints. These are products homeowners typically store under the sink, in the basement, or in the garage, and they should be labeled with one of four HHW classifications: flammable, corrosive, explosive, or toxic/poison.
• What Is The Wrong Way To Dispose Of HHW? Often homeowners dispose of any HHW in their home incorrectly. This can create environmental hazards and can impact public health. Some ways you should never dispose of HHW include pouring it down the drain or in the toilet, on the ground, into sewer drains, or throwing it in with your regular trash. Whenever this occurs, there is a real chance of it causing physical harm to sanitation workers and contaminating septic tanks or wastewater treatment systems.
• How Should You Correctly Dispose Of HHW? If you have any leftover Household Hazardous Waste materials, always follow the instructions on the label to dispose of it properly. You could also try giving it away to a neighbor or donating to a charity, a business, or a government agency instead of disposing of it. There is also always the option of contacting your local hazardous waste management company.

If you currently have HHW material in your home that you would like to have safely removed, contact Ohana Environmental Construction today. Visit them online to get a complete list of their services, and learn how they can protect your home from environmental hazards. You can also call them at (800) 836-6955 to speak with someone directly about a home inspection.