The Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Project was established as an interagency effort to reduce the level of toxicants entering the environment by developing a control plan for the safe disposal of small quantities of household chemicals. This summary report provides an overview of the aspects of this problem that were examined, and the steps that were taken to develop the control plan. The legal framework which controls the contents, labelling, and disposal of household toxic substances is reviewed in some detail. A brief examination of the contents, health effects, and environmental fate of four classes of consumer products (pesticides, paint products, household cleaners, and automotive products) is provided. In determining the extent of this problem, the literature was reviewed for studies which document the potential for environmental contamination from the disposal of these consumer products through landfilling, septic tank, and sewerage system disposal. A synopsis is provided of the results of the surveys and pilot projects that were conducted in the local Seattle metropolitan area. Finally, the elements of the regional control plan are described, as well as the recommendations for future action that were developed. Similar programs around the country that have been developed are described, and contacts provided. (Author)