Hazardous Waste Disposal

A material must be a solid waste before it can be considered a hazardous waste. A solid waste is a solid, a liquid, or a contained gaseous material that is no longer used or that no longer serves the purpose for which it was produced. Solid waste does not include domestic sewage or agricultural wastes, but does include materials that are abandoned or recycled, materials that are inherently waste-like and waste military munitions. A hazardous waste is a solid waste that could pose significant danger to human health and the environment if it is treated, stored, transported, or disposed of improperly.

There are basically two ways to be a hazardous waste: the waste is specifically listed as hazardous in one of the four lists contained in the Colorado hazardous waste regulations and/or the waste possess one or more hazardous characteristics of ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity or toxicity. In addition, most materials that are mixed with or derived from hazardous waste are also hazardous waste.

Household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable or reactive ingredients are called household hazardous wastes, often referred to as "hhw." These include such things as unwanted solvents, oils, paints, fertilizers and small mercury-containing devices like thermostats. Improper disposal of household hazardous wastes can adversely affect human health and the environment.

Example:

• Automotive products (antifreeze, fluids, motor oil)
• Batteries (home and car)
• Cathode ray tubes (TVs, computer monitors)
• Fluorescent light bulbs and ballasts
• Household cleansers
• Medicines
• Mercury (thermometers, thermostats)
• Paints, latex and oil (must be dried)
• Pesticides

Contact the Montezuma County Landfill for any questions concerning hazardous waste.