What is Hazardous Waste

Almost every home in Mesa County contains hazardous materials or products that can endanger human health or the environment if improperly handled. They are products used in cleaning, home improvements, automobile maintenance, lawn and garden care, hobbies, and a variety of other tasks.

The landfill will not accept hazardous materials for disposal. Improperly disposed hazardous materials can enter storm drains and carry pollutants to streams and rivers of Mesa County; thus, harming aquatic plants, fish, and other natural habitats.

What Makes a Product Hazardous?

Products are considered hazardous if they have one or more of the following properties:

	Flammable/Combustible: Easily ignites and burns. Examples: Old gasoline, paint thinner, and oil based paints.
	Explosive/Reactive: Reacts with air or water to produce toxic vapors or an explosion. Examples: Peroxides and calcium carbide.
	Corrosive: Burns skin on contact and can "eat" away the surface of other materials. Examples: Caustic cleaners, acids, and toilet bowl cleaners.
	Toxic: Dangerous even in small quantities, may immediately poison, or cause injury or death through repeated exposure, when inhaled into the lungs, swallowed, or absorbed by the skin. Example: herbicides, insecticides, and pesticides.

Labels on hazardous products are required by federal law to list "signal words." Signal words can be used to determine a products specific hazard(s). Signal words, such as DANGER and POISON, indicate that a product is highly toxic, corrosive or extremely flammable. WARNING or CAUTION signal words indicate that the product is moderately or slightly toxic.