When it comes to disposing of hazardous waste, homeowners near Chicago, IL, need to be especially vigilant. Hazardous and toxic materials, if not handled correctly, can pose significant risks to our health and the environment. But don’t worry, there are some simple measures you can take to ensure safe hazardous material disposal.

Identifying Hazardous Waste

First things first, identifying what constitutes hazardous waste is crucial. Common household items like oil-based paint, batteries, cleaners, and even certain electronics fall into this category. These items contain chemicals that can be harmful if released into the environment or improperly disposed of.

Instead of tossing these hazardous substances into the bin, you should instead take them to one of these disposal facilities specified by the Illinois EPA.

Additional Safety Precautions

Coals and Ashes – Whether it is cleaning up a bonfire or disposing of fireworks, you should ensure that the flame has been extinguished. Place material in a metal bin and cover with water to completely extinguish flames.
Combustible Items – Lighter fluid, propane tanks, and gas canisters should not be placed in the trash or recycling. Proper disposal of these materials would be to go to one of the hazardous collection events.
Be Cautious Around Garbage Trucks – The large vehicles used for solid waste disposal should always be respected and approached carefully. For those with children or pets, it is best to keep them a safe distance away from the vehicle so that the operators can safely conduct their work.

Take some time to look at the other guidelines that Tri-State Disposal has laid out on our website.