Definition

Household waste, also known as domestic waste or residential waste, is disposable materials generated by households. This waste can be comprised of non-hazardous waste and hazardous waste. Non-hazardous waste can include food scraps, paper, bottles, etc. which can be recycled or composted. Examples of hazardous waste include batteries and household cleaners. It is important that hazardous waste is handled in a safe manner to ensure that they are disposed properly so they do not cause harm.

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The amount of household waste produced by household can vary depending on factors like revenue and lifestyle. According to Global News “Canada produces 720 kilograms of waste per capita on average every year.” There are many ways household waste can be reduced including donating clothes, eliminating single use plastics and buying sustainable options (bamboo toothbrush over plastic toothbrush).

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Other Sources

Dubé, Dani-Elle. “Earth Month: 6 ways to reduce your household waste.” Global News. https://globalnews.ca/news/4143259/earth-month-reduce-household-waste/. Accessed September 27, 2019.

“Household Waste.” Business Dictionary. http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/household-waste.html. Accessed May 25, 2016.

“Household Waste.” OECD. November 19, 2001. https://stats.oecd.org/glossary/detail.asp?ID=1261. Accessed May 25, 2016.

EPA. “Household Hazardous Waste.” EPA. March 24, 2016. https://www.epa.gov/hw/household-hazardous-waste-hhw. Accessed May 26, 2016.