Facts & Figures

• Americans generate 1.6 million tons of HHW annually.
• Over time, the average home can accumulate as much as 100 pounds of HHW in the basement, garage, storage closets and under the kitchen sink.
• The typical Kansas household produces 15 pounds of HHW each year.
• During the 1980s, many communities started special collection days or permanent collection sites for handling HHW.
• In 1997, there were more than 3,000 HHW permanent programs and collection events throughout the United States.
• A 4-city study (University of Arizona) found the following proportions of

• Household maintenance items (paint, thinner, etc.): 36.6%
• Household batteries: 18.6%
• Cosmetics (includes nail polish and removers): 12.1%
• Cleaners (includes polishes and oven cleaners): 11.5%
• Automotive items (mostly motor oil): 10.5%
• Yard items (includes pesticides, pet supplies, fertilizer): 4.1%
• Hobby/other (pool chemicals, art supplies): 3.4%
• Pharmaceuticals: 3.2%