Handling hazardous household waste in the Mat-Su

Every home has them. A half-used can of paint from a summer project. Old batteries rattling in a drawer. A bottle of cleaning solution that’s long past its prime. These things may seem small, but the way we get rid of them matters. In the Mat-Su, the wrong choice can harm our land, our water, and even our health. The good news is there are safe ways to handle hazardous household waste.

Hazardous household waste is any leftover product that can catch fire easily, react or explode, corrode metal, or harm people or the environment if not handled correctly. Paints, solvents, car batteries, small rechargeable batteries, pesticides, and some cleaners all fit this category. Throwing them in the regular trash can cause dangerous chemical reactions at the landfill. Worse, if these materials leak into the soil or waterways, they can create long-lasting pollution.

One of the most common mistakes is pouring these liquids down the drain. Many people don’t realize wastewater treatment plants can’t remove many chemicals. Sometimes, hazardous substances can end up in rivers or groundwater. Another mistake is storing old products in sheds, garages, or basements for years, only to have them leak or spill. This can cause toxic fumes inside a home and costly cleanups. Antibacterial cleaners can destroy the healthy bacteria in your septic if flushed, and cost you thousands in repairs.

Certain rodent poisons create a lesser-known hazard for our local wildlife. If people discard poisoned mice or rats in the trash, scavenging animals like owls, eagles, and foxes can eat them. Whether at landfills or in the wild, this leads to ingesting the toxins secondhand. This can lead to illness or death in these predators, many of which are important for balancing small animal populations. Instead of using poison, people can choose snap traps, live traps, or rodent-proofing measures like sealing entry holes, storing food securely, and keeping outdoor areas clean. These methods control pests without leaving behind a toxic chain reaction.

The Mat-Su Borough does offer safe ways to get rid of hazardous items. The Central Landfill near Palmer operates a household hazardous waste collection area. Residents can bring in certain types of waste on specific days without paying a disposal fee. When preparing to bring items in, it’s important to keep them in their original containers when possible. Labels tell landfill workers how to handle the material safely. Mixing different chemicals together is very dangerous. If a container is broken, leaking, or unlabeled, place it in a sealed plastic bag or another stable container before you transport it, and then explain its contents upon arrival.

Handling batteries requires extra care. You can usually throw away ordinary alkaline batteries with regular trash, but rechargeable batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and small electronics contain metals and chemicals that can cause fires if a garbage truck or landfill crushes them. These types should go to proper drop-off points, such as the Central Landfill’s collection area, or recycling bins at certain electronics or hardware stores.

For people looking to reduce their hazardous waste, the easiest step is to buy only what they need and fully use up what they have. Half-used cans of paint can be offered to friends, neighbors, schools, or community projects. Switching to less toxic products can also help, such as using vinegar-based cleaners or rechargeable batteries. Small personal choices add up when multiplied across thousands of homes in the Mat-Su.

If you are unsure about a product, you can find information about what is accepted at disposal sites from the Mat-Su Borough Solid Waste Division. Their website lists the materials they handle, drop-off locations, and schedules for hazardous waste days. You can also call them to ask questions before you load your vehicle.

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation is another resource, offering guidance on safe storage, spill cleanup, and toxic product alternatives.

Christian M. Hartley is a 40-year Alaskan resident with over 25 years of public safety experience and public service. He runs a freelance business, Big Lake Writer, from home in Big Lake that he shares with his wife of 19 years and their three teenage sons.