How to Dispose of Toxic Chemicals in the Home

Reducing and recycling the use of chemicals around the home reduces the amount of toxic waste. If you donate chemical products around the house you no longer use it lessens the total need for generating more toxic chemicals. With proper disposal of toxic chemicals it prevents pollution and promotes a better environment and our health.

Instructions

1. Don't pour any toxic waste down the drain or into the sewer system including motor oil, paint, or varnish.

2. Never burn anything that is toxic waste.

3. Do not store any type of toxic waste in food containers. Keep in the containers they came in with and make sure they are labeled.

4. Follow the disposal instructions on the original container and follow the directions for use as instructed.

5. Empty paint cans and other hazardous waste still emit of dangerous chemicals so treat them as hazardous waste.

6. When you are finished using latex paint donate it or expose it to air (where kids or pets can not get into it). If there is still paint left and you can not give it away for someone to use put kitty litter in the can and let it absorb the paint then put it into the garbage.

7. Donate any leftover paint, pesticides, automotive oil or other cleaning products and solvent to a waste disposal facility. Many times they will exchange these items for people who need them and it eliminates toxic waste.

8. Do not bury unused chemicals in their containers. If you are on a municipal sewer system you can pour antifreeze down the drain, if you are not do not pour into your drain.

9. Any wood preservatives containing toxic chemicals such as arsenic should be delivered to a waste collection center.

Resources

• eHow Home and Garden Topic Guide
• More Information from the EPA on Hazardous Waste Disposal
• Hazardous Chemical Disposal Center in Your Area