When packing for your move, keep in mind that there are some items that cannot be moved for health and safety reasons. These are called non-allowable items in the moving industry. These are hazardous materials that can contaminate your belongings or cause harm if they leak or combust during transport. Non-allowables are items that are flammable, corrosive or explosive. While some items may seem harmless, they can be dangerous under certain conditions.
For the safety of your family, your movers and others on the road, please read this list carefully before packing. You will need to separate these non-allowable items from the rest of your belongings, and give them to friends or neighbors to use or properly dispose of them. You will find many of these items in your garage or basement, or wherever you keep your household cleaning supplies, but please be vigilant and check your entire home.
Non-Allowable Hazardous Materials Include:
- Acids
- Aerosol cans
- Ammonia
- Ammunition
- Car batteries
- Charcoal/lighter fluid
- Chemistry sets
- Cleaning solvents
- Darkroom chemicals
- Fertilizer
- Fire extinguishers
- Fireworks
- Fuels/oils
- Household batteries
- Kerosene
- Liquid bleach
- Loaded guns
- Matches
- Mercury
- Nail polish and removers
- Paint thinners
- Paints/varnishes
- Pesticides
- Poisons
- Pool chemicals
- Propane tanks
- Sterno fuel
- Weed killer
Safe Disposal Practices
Disposing of hazardous materials is an important step to take before moving to comply with federal, state and local laws and to protect the environment. These items cannot simply be thrown away with your household trash. If you aren’t sure how or where to dispose of them, start by reading the product label. Some items have very specific disposal instructions. NEVER dump them out or burn them. Many auto service centers and auto parts stores will recycle used motor oil or antifreeze. Check with your town office, the local or state health department, or the Federal Environmental Protection Agency in your region. They can direct you to a collection point for hazardous waste in your community.
This list provides common examples and is not comprehensive. If you are ever in doubt of whether or not an item is allowed, or if you have questions about any particular item, please reach out to your Bisson moving coordinator for advice and clarification. Move safely!
