What is a hazardous waste?
Hazardous wastes have properties or contain chemicals which make them dangerous or capable of having harmful effects on public health or on the environment, as explained in detail by Vermont Hazardous Waste Management Regulations (VHWMR). The hazardous properties are ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity. In the regulations, hazardous waste are also listed by their chemical names or by their related manufacturing processes. A waste is considered to have been “generated” when it is put into a container for disposal or a determination has been made that the material is no longer useable. Hazardous wastes managed in the course of running a business – this includes wastes from municipalities and from businesses operated out of a home – are regulated by the VHWMR.

Are hazardous wastes disposed of differently?
Yes. All hazardous wastes are banned from Vermont landfills and, therefore, cannot be disposed with the regular trash. These wastes must be sent to specialized facilities for treatment , storage, disposal, or recycling.