Household Hazardous Wastes (HHW) are those wastes produced in our households that are hazardous in nature (ignitable, corrosive, reactive, toxic), but that are not regulated as hazardous wastes under federal and state laws. This means that it is legal for most homeowners to put HHW in their trash. Included are such items as old paints and paint related products, pesticides, pool chemicals, drain cleaners, and degreasers and other car care products. Today's landfills are designed to handle normal amounts of HHW and minimize the environmental impacts; however, there are other options homeowners can consider when dealing with these wastes.
Solid Waste Haulers and HHW - A "catch-22" that homeowners often encounter is that while it is legal to put HHW in their regular trash, the waste hauler that collects the trash may choose not to haul the HHW. It is not uncommon, for example, for a waste hauler to refuse to haul liquid HHW products (i.e. paint, driveway sealer). In these cases, the homeowner will have to take steps to solidify the liquids, or may have to dispose of the HHW by taking it directly to a landfill or transfer station, or by participating in a HHW collection program.
Since 1998, Cumberland County has offered a HHW collection program in an attempt to give the residents of Cumberland County an alternative disposal method for these types of wastes. This consisted of a drop-off program from 1998 to 2009, and a door-to-door program from 2011 to 2013. The historical results for all years are presented below. Due to lower than expected participation and higher per unit costs, the door-to-door program was terminated and a return was made to drop-off events in 2014. Four drop-off events are planned for 2026 - April 9, May 30, August 15, and October 29. Additional info and event registration.