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Information for residents
Hazardous products are prevalent in many Albertan households. Many products used in our homes have dangerous characteristics. When these products are no longer useful they should be disposed of properly to ensure people and the environment are protected. These products should not be disposed of in landfills or emptied into sewer systems.
Household hazardous products in Canada display one or more of the following symbols:
| Corrosive – damages surfaces, skin and other human tissues (rust removers, alkaline cleaning fluids and old batteries). | Flammable – products and fumes that burn easily (painting wastes, degreasers, and other solvents). |
| Reactive/Explosive – reacts violently when mixed with other chemicals, or when placed under pressure or heat (aerosols). | Toxic/Poison – coming into contact with, inhaling or ingesting these materials can cause serious health issues (materials containing heavy metals like mercury, lead or cadmium). |
Disposal of household hazardous wastes
Household hazardous waste round-ups are organized by communities throughout Alberta.
Precautions
When bringing household hazardous waste to a round-up or collection site keep materials in their original containers; if cracked or broken, place the container in a leak-proof package and label it. Containers of unidentified/unknown chemicals should be taken to a collection site and staff advised. Include containers with product warning symbols or precautions about use of the product or instructions on disposal of the container.
Disposal options
Check with your local municipality to determine if they have a household hazardous waste collection site or if they host temporary round-up events. Some round-up events are also posted on Alberta Recycling’s website at:
There are recycling options for some hazardous wastes such as used oil, lead-acid batteries, nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries and propane tanks. For more information, check the Yellow Pages under Recycling or visit:
Information for municipalities
The province of Alberta provides some funding to support municipalities in segregating household hazardous waste from the overall waste stream and in managing the material at end-of life. For more information on Alberta’s Provincial Household Hazardous Waste Program, see:
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Hazardous waste