Household Hazardous Waste

What is household hazardous waste (HHW)?

HHW is unwanted hazardous waste generated by residents at their home. It is generally any product with DANGER, WARNING or CAUTION printed on the label. Safe disposal of HHW is important to protecting the health and safety of our homes, children, pets, communities, wildlife and environment.

HHW includes

  • Paint (latex, oil, spray)       
  • Automotive fluids (motor oil, antifreeze, etc.)
  • Cleaners             
  • Lawn and garden products
  • Fluorescent light bulbs
  • Batteries
  • Nail polish 
  • Fluorescent lightbulbs     
  • Cooking oil
  • Pesticides/insecticides
  • Pool chemicals
  • Mercury (any items containing mercury)

HHW does not include

  • Appliances 
  • Asbestos 
  • Explosives (ammunition, fireworks, etc.)
  • Medical waste (needles, prescription drugs, etc.)
  • Propane bottles over 1 lb.
  • Tires 
  • Yard waste 
  • Electronic waste (TVs, computers, small appliances, etc.)

What to do with HHW

Safe disposal of HHW is critical to protecting the health and safety of our children, pets, communities, wildlife and environment. 

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HHW Disposal for Missouri Residents

The Regional HHW Collection Program provides access to proper HHW disposal for residents living in Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte and Ray counties in Missouri.

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HHW Disposal for Kansas Residents

Kansas residents who live in Leavenworth, Wyandotte, Johnson, or Miami counties can take their HHW for free to their respective facility.

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HHW for Businesses and Organizations

Any hazardous waste not generated by a resident is classified as business hazardous waste.

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Safer alternatives

Keep your home and community safer and healthier by using safer, natural products instead of harsher chemicals. 

Tips

Paint: Buy only what you need 

Avoid buying too much paint. Use this paint calculator to determine how much paint you need for the job at hand.     

Stay organized

Properly store and organize products to increase safety, maintain product integrity, and avoid buying what you already have.

Stay safe!

Avoid buying products labeled danger, warning, caution, flammable, explosive, corrosive, caustic, toxic or poison. Learn more about safe alternatives.

 

Mobile HHW Collection Events

People pouring bottles of household hazardous waste into a barrel for safe disposal

Missouri residents who live in participating communities can take their HHW at no cost to any of the HHW collection events scheduled for  April through October. ID and proof of residency are required. 

2025 mobile events will be announced in early March.