Hazardous Waste FAQs

HHW Definition
Handling HHW
HHW Disposal
Town Collection
Storing HHW

What is household hazardous waste?
The term Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) includes many products, but is generally defined as a material that is a potential health hazard and may be heavily regulated.  Typically these materials have one or more of the following properties: flammable, toxic, reactive, polluting.  See question 4. for some examples of HHW that might be found in your home.

How do I handle household hazardous waste?
Proper disposal of HHW is very important.  Improper disposal of household waste can cause problems for the entire community.   Wastes can be explosive or highly flammable.  Sewers have exploded and garbage trucks have burned because people have carelessly discarded flammable and reactive wastes.  Hazardous wastes can also be corrosive.  The acid from discarded auto batteries can eat away many substances. One of the worse ways to dispose of hazardous materials is to “just dump them down the drain.”   Wastewater treatment plants are not designed to handle certain types of hazardous wastes.  Unfortunately, disposing of wastes in a landfill has not proven an effective solution either, causing pollution in the groundwater, surface water and air.

What are my HHW disposal options?

• Some hazardous wastes are accepted at the Recycling Center on Wednesdays and Saturdays, between 8 am and 3 pm.  These items are: fluorescent lamps, thermometers, thermostats, mercury switches, batteries, motor oil, car batteries, antifreeze, good reusable paint, and electronic items including TVs and computer monitors. 

• Other hazardous materials are accepted for disposal only on South Hadley sponsored HHW Collections at the DPW yard on 10 Industrial Drive.  Currently, these occur twice a year, in Spring and Fall. There will be a collection of HHW and Unwanted Medications on Saturday June 9th from 8 a.m. to Noon. Pre-registration is required. Call the DPW at 538-5033.

• If a resident can not wait for the scheduled hazardous waste day, s/he may be able to dispose of their materials through a higher cost hazardous waste vendor such as Clean Harbors,  Triumvirate, and General Chemical. 

• Residents can also contact another community that is hosting a HHW collection to see if they can participate in the event.  They may need to pay cash (roughly $40) to participate.  Call the DPW for information.

• Residents moving in or out of town who need to dispose of HHW must keep the material in the house until there is a South Hadley sponsored HHW Day, or they can take advantage of one of the other options described above.

Collection of HHW on a special day in Town?
South Hadley sponsors a HHW day every six months at the DPW yard. In 2006, collections will be held on  JUNE 9th AND OCTOBER 13th. Registration is required, call the DPW at 538-5033 to register.

 A variety of materials are accepted for FREE on these special collections (the cost of the HHW day is paid by a contribution from the landfill operator, WSI.). Items for disposal include: brake fluid, automatic transmission fluid, battery acid, gasoline, kerosene, oil filters, fertilizer, pesticides, pool cleaners, charcoal lighter fluid, furniture polish, arts & crafts supplies, photo chemicals, moth balls and oven cleaners.  Residents must pre-register for an appointment time by calling the DPW and informing them of the materials being brought to the collection.

How do I store my HHW until the special collection?
Here are some helpful hints for safely storing your HHW for the next South Hadley sponsored HHW day:

• DO leave products in their original containers with the label intact.

• DO place leaking containers into a five gallon plastic pail or similar safe containment device until proper disposal is available.

• DO NOT bury the HHW in your backyard or an empty field.

• DO NOT pour liquid HHW into streams or storm drains.

• DO NOT mix different chemicals for storage or transport.