Water Quality District - Hazardous Waste
Mothballs
What are they?
Mothballs are a distinctive smelling, volatile solid, primarily used to repel moths. Mothballs contain chemicals designed to control pests and can be poisonous to pets, livestock, wildlife, and humans.
What Makes it Hazardous?
Mothballs contain either naphthalene or 1,4-dichlorobenzene. Both of these ingredients can produce harmful effects when inhaled. They are also poisonous if eaten. Dressing infants in clothing that was stored with naphthalene mothballs can cause poisoning.
Safety Tips
- Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors.
- Keep away from children and pets. Mothballs may look like candy to a child.
Disposal Options
Dispose:
- Mothballs contain hazardous materials, and should not be placed in the trash.
- Annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event: Mothballs are accepted for disposal at Haz Waste Days , in September.
The Residential Disposal Guide is provided by the Missoula Valley Water Quality District as a public service and is not an endorsement of specific businesses, services or products. Any omissions or inaccuracies are unintentional. Please contact us with corrections or additions. Call businesses or agencies to confirm hours, locations and charges for services, if any. For information on disposal of items not listed, email or call the Water Quality District at 406-258-4890, M - F, 8 am to 5 pm.
Much of the information provided is from the Washington County, MN, Dept. of Public Health and Environment website.
Please note
some documents are in "Portable Document Format" and
requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. If you do not have
this viewer, visit
Adobe.com.
