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According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), hazardous waste is generally classified into four main categories:

1. Characteristic Wastes: These exhibit at least one of four hazardous traits: ignitability (flammable, like gasoline), corrosivity (can rust or decompose materials, like car batteries), reactivity (unstable and can explode, like aerosol cans), or toxicity (harmful when ingested, like lead-based paint).

2. Listed Wastes: These are specific wastes from manufacturing and industrial processes that the EPA has officially designated as hazardous. They include byproducts from processes that use solvents, pesticides, and other chemicals.

3. Universal Wastes: These are commonly generated hazardous items that are subject to streamlined regulations. Examples include batteries, pesticides, mercury-containing equipment (e.g., bulbs), and some lamps.

4. Mixed Wastes: This category includes waste that contains both hazardous and radioactive components, making it subject to regulation by both the EPA and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Exterior paint contains a higher level of VOCs, which can be dangerous if you’re exposed to it for a long period of time. The good news is that paint’s toxicity reduces significantly once fully dried and cured. Do not keep open exterior paint cans in your home, basement, or garage, exposing your household to harmful chemicals over time.

Disposing of old paint, bleach, oil, and fertilizer should be handled by a company that specializes in this kind of waste. Many private junk removal companies do not dispose of these items. Because these materials are hazardous to the environment and dangerous to handle or dispose of improperly, you should confirm with your local municipality about places to take hazardous materials for safe disposal. 

You should ask a few questions to ensure that your potential lead removal professional is experienced and qualified to handle lead-paint abatement safely, legally, and properly.

• What are your qualifications and experience removing lead-based paint?

• Are you licensed and certified to remove lead-based paint?

• How do you test for lead paint?

• What methods do you use for lead-based paint abatement?

• What do you plan to do with the hazardous material when you remove it from the home?

• Do you do replacement and painting work or removal only?