What are the Dangers of Improper Disposal?

Household hazardous wastes are disposed of improperly when poured down the drain, on the ground, in storm sewers or in the trash. The dangers of such disposal may not be immediately obvious, but certain household hazardous wastes can contaminate septic tanks or wastewater treatment systems; harm children and pets and cause injury to sanitation workers. When poured in storm drains, contamination of the local water body occurs.(For more information on the dangers of improper disposals, visit the Environmental Enforcement Unit homepage.)