What is hazardous waste?

Download a detailed list of hazardous waste items (PDF, 297 KB)

Items with any of the above symbols on their labels are household hazardous wastes.  They do not belong in your garbage, recyclables, or compostables.  Nor should they be dumped down the drain. Hazardous waste can also include items that do not have one of these labels, such as household bleach, or some pesticides.

Paints, thinners and solvents, cleaning products, pesticides, aerosol cans, motor oil, antifreeze, lead/acid batteries, smoke alarms, fluorescent lights and some personal care items are examples of common hazardous materials found in homes.

Why is it dangerous?

Improper handling of hazardous products can lead to:

• Groundwater contamination
• Surface water contamination
• Soil contamination
• Poisoning of the food change
• Harm to the health and lives of people and wildlife
• Local air pollution
• Fires and explosions

What can I do?

Most importantly, you can avoid using hazardous products. You should buy only what you need, and try to give away what you don’t use for someone else to use. You can avoid hazardous waste by using environmentally friendly alternatives – for example, there are many natural alternatives to household cleaning products.

If you do purchase a hazardous product, make sure you use it safely, and dispose of it correctly when you are finished. Household Hazardous Waste Day provides you with the opportunity to do this.

What is Household Hazardous Waste Day?

Twice a year (spring and fall), CKS hosts a Household Hazardous Waste Day (HHW day) at the Quigley Landfill, with the financial support and assistance of Yukon Government. HHW day is free and for households only. Store any household hazardous waste safely at your home until HHW day, and then bring it to the landfill, where we will dispose of it for you in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. Information on dates and time will be provided once available.