One-time, unique, "Household Hazardous Waste Collections" can lead to results that are the opposite of those intended.
Evidence: Garbage Project student sorters recorded the contents of 500 household refuse samples in May, before a "special" collection day, and 599 household refuse samples in August, after the collection day. Notice that before the "special" collection day, held in Marin County, the total Hz discards were significantly lower than after. "SQDE"s (Small Quantity Discard Events -- the residue left in packages) had not changed much, but "LQDE"s (Large Quantity Discard Events -- half a can of paint or a jug of pesticide) increased significantly. The Hz Waste Collection Day's publicity had worked, and people knew they were storing Hz waste in their homes; but when they missed their ONE opportunity to get rid of it appropriately -- the "Toxicx Away" Day -- they used the most efficient alternative, discard in their normal refuse pickup! For details see an '87 paper by Rathje & Wilson TK.
