We all accumulate household hazardous waste, but what do we do when it isn’t ours? When tenants move out of an apartment and leave stuff behind or homeowners don’t clean out their storage when they sell, landlords and real estate agents may be left holding the bag. If you find yourself in that position, remember you’ve got options! Disposing of household hazardous products even though you’re a business is possible without jumping through a ton of hoops.
What Household Hazardous Waste is Usually Left Behind?
There are five broad categories most hazardous products fall into. All these items require careful disposal and often can’t enter landfills, go down the drain, or enter recycling facilities as-is.
- Home Improvement: This includes everything from paint (challenging to dispose of in bulk) to gardening supplies like fertilizers.
- Electronics: Products that contain hazardous heavy metals like CTR monitors and TVs to certain types of batteries.
- Hobbies and Crafts: Specialty supplies like photography products, pool chemicals, automotive products, and glues and adhesives.
- Heavy-Duty Cleaners: Everything from furniture polish to carpet cleaner, as well as corrosive cleaners like muriatic acid.
- Flammables: Everything from small camper stove tanks to propane to gasoline (which does go bad).
Disposal Options for Estate Agents and Landlords
Many municipalities have community events or special facilities days where you can take your hazardous waste for disposal. However, between factors like COVID and time crunches to make the home ready for new tenants or owners, you might find these options don’t work for you. This is why businesses like the NEDT Household Hazardous Collection Centers exist, to help you dispose of this waste quickly and efficiently.
While landlords and estate agents are running a business, generally speaking since these hazardous products were generated residentially, they don’t need to meet the same standards as businesses. If you’re disposing of hazardous waste from an at-home business or commercial property, contact NEDT for a consultation: you may qualify under MA’s VSQG program.
NEDT helps households and small businesses dispose of all types of household hazardous waste, including that from junk haulers and estate sales. Learn more about what we accept and check out our video tour of what to expect. For more information, including our pick up services and to answer any questions, contact us.
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