Household hazardous waste management: a review

Household hazardous waste is hazardous waste generated by households in relatively small quantities (between 1% and 4% of municipal solid waste) and containing toxic or labeled toxic, flammable, reactive, explosive or corrosive chemicals such as automobile products, cleaning products, personal care products, maintenance products, unused medications, insecticides, garden pesticides, products containing heavy metals, photographic chemicals. Many of these wastes are regulated at the industrial level in larger quantities. However, the smaller, distinct quantities found in consumer products are relatively less regulated. In addition, a lack of definition for this category of waste has been observed in many countries, both developed and developing. Moreover, there are potential health and environmental risks that result from inappropriate use and disposal of these wastes. Thus, this article reviews the current situation with regard to the management of household hazardous waste.