Hazardous Waste

When we think about “Hazardous Waste,” we tend to think about barrels of sludge or glowing radioactive ooze, but it's not all so obvious. Toxic products can lurk in many corners of your business—pesticides for landscaping, oil in the motor pool, worn out fluorescent bulbs and chemical cleaners in the maintenance area. When these products are left over, unwanted or unusable, they turn into potentially harmful waste, also known as Hazardous Waste.

Obvious Toxics
It is easy to imagine why certain toxics—for example a bottle of weed killer or a canister of diesel fuel—might pose a danger to us and the environment. Inhaling fumes and skin contact can damage our health, especially that of our children. Throwing these products into the trash or pouring them down the sink or into a storm drain pollutes our soil, groundwater, rivers and bay, and can harm wildlife.

Hidden Toxics
Other hazardous waste is less obvious in its toxicity. For example, electronics such as computers and cell phones, batteries, fluorescent light bulbs and thermostats are safe while in use, but turn into toxic waste when discarded. The reason is that they contain heavy metals like mercury and cadmium, and other harmful chemicals that are released into the environment when these products are crushed in the landfill.

Safe Recycling and Disposal
Never dispose of Hazardous Waste in the garbage, sink or a storm drain! Instead take these items to one of SVSWA’s facilities for safe disposal or recycling.

Less Toxic Alternatives
Protect yourself and the environment: avoid hazardous products and choose less toxic alternatives instead!