According to the EPA, Americans generate 1.6 million tons of household hazardous waste (HHW) every year. Although interest in managing old and unwanted consumer products with characteristics of hazardous waste household cleaners, pesticides, paint products, and automotive products emerged in the late 1970s, the management of such materials has been a bouncing ball of responsibility for more than two decades. Consumer products are exempt from federal and most state regulations because of their household origin, and many communities still lack the basic information, guidance, and planning support for HHW management. Written by the forefathers and practitioners of HHW management, this book provides solid waste management professionals, municipal officials, chemical waste handlers, environmental students, and others with a comprehensive look at the state of HHW management. Readers will learn answers to questions such as * What is hazardous household waste and why do we collect it? * What are the main concerns? * How are HHW collections held and collected material managed? * What are some best management practices? * How can I motivate behavior change? * How can a product stewardship approach increase collections, cover costs, and promote better products?"

Household hazardous waste (HHW) is a topic that affects every individual and community given the nearly universal use, storage, and disposal of chemical consumer products. Yet many communities lack the basic information, guidance, and planning support for HHW collection and management so that struggles (e.g., to gain politicians' and residents' support, host a collection, build a facility, affect behavior change, and encourage extended producer responsibility) continue on a regular basis. This book is for professionals, students, government officials and others interested in HHW and accommodating the increasing societal demand for this disposal option. In the evolving field of HHW collection and management, this book: *provides an unparalleled, comprehensive look at household hazardous waste *is a must-have for anyone interested in the solid waste management field, whether novice or experienced, because of the valuable overview and specifics it provides for addressing the ubiquitous issue of HHW *offers perspectives based on many collective years of experts' accrued insight *the chapters are written by leading practitioners and visionaries *is packed with useful information on many aspects of HHW including its definition, mechanisms for collection and creative collection options, tools for behavior change, and product stewardship *offers an extensive resource list for more information. Much has changed in 10 years since the first edition appeared, and each chapter in the Handbook on Household Hazardous Waste, Second Edition, is updated to reflect changes and advances in the field of HHW collection and management. This includes updated appendices and the extensive resource list.