SAIPAN — The CNMI Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality and its Division of Environmental Quality have shared public guidance on how to identify and properly handle household hazardous waste, defining HHW as everyday products that contain chemicals which can be toxic, flammable, corrosive or reactive.
Improper handling or disposal of HHW can harm people, wildlife and water quality, BECQ said.
The guidance identifies four common HHW areas. Home improvement waste includes paint, paint thinners, solvents and driveway sealer. Household items include aerosol cans, cleaners, non-alkaline batteries and fluorescent bulbs. Lawn and garden products include fertilizers, lighter fluid, pesticides, herbicides and insect sprays. Automotive waste includes car batteries, antifreeze, oils, oil filters and tires.
BECQ separately addresses electronic waste as another category of HHW. E-waste includes appliances such as refrigerators, fans, microwaves, rice cookers and air conditioners; electronics such as phones, laptops, tablets, chargers, TVs and power banks; lithium-ion batteries and other rechargeable items, including solar-powered items; and cable lines, extension cords and multi-plug accessories.
Hazardous waste and e-waste should be kept separate from regular trash to prevent injuries, fires and toxic releases, BECQ said. Residents are asked to place waste in organized piles away from roadways, drainage systems and utility lines, and to follow local collection guidance.
According to BECQ, proper waste segregation supports safe and efficient cleanup efforts across the community, allows collection crews to remove materials more efficiently, reduces unnecessary landfill use and helps recover recyclable or reusable materials.
Among the do’s, BECQ said residents should keep products in their original containers with labels intact, keep all containers tightly sealed, store waste safely away from children and pets, and keep it out of direct sunlight.
Among the don’ts, BECQ said residents should not pour chemicals down drains, toilets or storm drains; not dump waste on the ground or in regular trash bins; not mix different chemicals together; not burn hazardous waste; and not remove labels from containers.