Glues, epoxies, and other adhesives have a limited shelf life and may need to be cleaned out to make room for new, better-working products. But not all of them can easily go in the trash, especially PAH-containing sealants and how sticky adhesives interact with things like trash compactors. Learn how to identify these hazardous household products and your options when it comes to disposing of adhesives in the trash or a collection center. For less heavy-duty glues, check out our companion fact sheet:
Hazards
- Driveway sealants and other tar-based sealants and adhesives commonly contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), many of which are carcinogenic and can be absorbed through the skin.
- Human Exposure to PAHs: The two most common dangers of exposure to PAHs are inhalation and through the skin. When heated, these sealants may release PAHs, including naphthalene (which smells of mothballs). The dust can also be tracked into homes.
- Environmental Impact of PAHs: The runoff of PAH from sealants and other coal-tar products (including asphalt) can also affect the environment, especially aquatic wildlife, with studies showing a notable impact on juvenile amphibians and fish.
- Learn more on this dedicated page: The Problem with Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons.
- You shouldn’t get rid of liquids in the trash, and that extends to things like glues, epoxies, and sealants. However, these products pose an additional risk of damaging garbage truck operations and waste facilities if the adhesive leaks and gums up operations.
Handling
- Make sure to read the labels to know what safety measures to take when handling and storing sealants and other adhesives, including gloves and breathing protection.
- Keep these products in sealed containers to avoid them drying out.
- Many sealants include the use of latex (water-based) products. Keep these stored in areas that remain above freezing temperatures to avoid damaging the product or container. Learn more about latex freezing.
Management Options
- Use what you have if the product is usable, or donate to a neighbor, commercial contractor, or other who may use it.
- For small amounts of products, review the label. Most can be dried out in the container and thrown in the trash with the lid off.
- For larger amounts, take them to hazardous household waste collection, if accepted, or take them to a Household Hazardous Products Collection Center.
This information was brought to you by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and NEDT. For more information, including links to their guides, visit our Fact Sheets & Links page, and make sure to check out our NEDT Blog and Household Hazardous Products Resources for more in-depth information.
