Important questions to ask callers with hazardous household products

• What hazardous household products do they have and how much do they have of each?
• Has the material been mixed with anything? If so, or if the material is unknown, it will have to be handled at a household hazardous waste collection or commercial hazardous waste facility.
• Is the container in good condition? If not, they will need to repackage and re-label the material to store or transport it properly. It is important to keep product labels intact if possible.

General rules for consumers to manage hazardous household products

• Use up and store the product according to label directions.
• Use household chemical products only in well-ventilated areas or outside.
• Do not leave products unattended in the middle of a job.
• Keep children and pets away when products are in use.
• Keep lids on containers tightly sealed whenever the container does not need to be open.
• Store products out of reach of children and pets and away from food.
• Store away from sources of heat, flame, or sparks.
• Do not smoke while using hazardous household products.
• Do not mix different wastes, keep in original container.
• If the container gets wet, damaged, or begins to corrode, keep the product in the original container and place the damaged container inside a plastic bucket with a tight-fitting lid. Clearly label the container and include any label warnings from the product.
• If you no longer plan to use up a product that is still usable, donate to a friend or community organization that can use it. For example, surplus paints may be welcomed for theater projects, or renovation projects at churches or homeless shelters.
• Liquid wastes should not go in solid waste landfills or combustion facilities.

Important Telephone Numbers

 MassDEP Regional Service Centers

Web page