As Nebraskans begin spring cleaning, some may tackle clearing out their cupboards, closets, basements, attics, garages, or sheds. And that means many may find materials they’re not sure what to do with, including cleaning products; pesticides and herbicides; pool chemicals; oil-based paints; vehicle fluids; or hobby materials like adhesives and solvents.

These products are Household Hazardous Waste (HHW). Despite its name, HHW is treated like a solid waste, rather than a hazardous waste, because it is exempt from Title 128 – Nebraska Hazardous Waste Regulations. HHW is exempt from Title 128 because it the waste is generated at a household among other common household wastes.

However, HHW can still be dangerous if you are not careful. Mixing incompatible wastes can cause chemical reactions that generate toxic fumes, and spills from improper packaging, handling, or transportation can threaten human health and the environment.

If it is safe to do so, these materials should be used until they are gone. Useable products can also be given away to a person who will use them correctly. If that is not possible, HHW can be sent to a landfill. But there are other ways to recycle and safely dispose of these materials.

Nebraska communities will host HHW collection events for their residents. The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy provides annual grants to hold these and other events across the state.

NDEE announced Feb. 7 that it awarded $7.7 million in Waste and Litter Reduction, Recycling, and Scrap Tire grants in 2023. A list of grant recipients, including communities planning to hold HHW cleanup events this year, can be found in the agency’s press release.

Some communities have facilities that routinely manage household hazardous wastes, including:

· Grand Island – Clean Community System
· Holdrege – Prairie Hill Landfill
· Kearney – Household Hazardous Waste Building
· Lincoln – HazToGo
· McCook – Red Willow County Household Hazardous Waste Facility
· Norfolk – Household Hazardous Waste Facility
· North Platte – Household Hazardous Waste Facility
· Omaha – UnderTheSink

When Nebraskans properly dispose of their HHW, not only are they diverting waste from landfills, they are also helping protect the environment and the public’s health.