Many common household products contain hazardous ingredients that require special disposal. Improper disposal (pouring down drains, throwing in trash) contaminates water supplies, harms sanitation workers, and pollutes the environment.
17 steps across 2 sections
1. Steps Process
- Identify hazardous products — Look for labels with: Danger, Warning, Caution, Poison, Flammable, Corrosive, Reactive, or Toxic. Common HHW: oil-based paint, paint thinner, pesticides, herbicides, m...
- Find your local HHW program — Search Earth911.com with your zip code, contact your local waste management department, or call 311. Options include permanent HHW collection facilities, periodic comm...
- Prepare items for transport — Keep products in original containers with labels intact. Never mix different chemicals. Seal containers tightly. Place in a sturdy box with newspaper padding. Transpor...
- Transport safely — Drive directly to the collection site. Do not make other stops. Keep containers upright. Have the trunk or windows open for ventilation.
- Specific disposal methods by item:
- Latex paint Dry it out (remove lid, add paint hardener or kitty litter) and dispose in regular trash
- Oil-based paint/stain HHW collection only
- Motor oil Auto parts stores (AutoZone, O'Reilly) accept for free
- Batteries Rechargeable — retailer take-back (Home Depot, Staples); alkaline — some communities allow in trash
- Electronics E-waste recycling (Best Buy, manufacturer programs)
2. Key Details
- Never pour chemicals, paint, or oil down drains, toilets, or storm drains
- Never mix different chemicals together (can cause dangerous reactions)
- Never burn hazardous waste
- Never put HHW in regular trash (except dried latex paint in some communities)
- Many communities hold 1-4 HHW collection events per year
- Some municipalities have permanent drop-off facilities with year-round hours
- Businesses have different disposal requirements than households (contact your state environmental agency)
Common Mistakes
- Pouring old paint or chemicals down the drain
- Throwing batteries in the trash (especially lithium batteries, which cause fi...
- Mixing partially used chemicals into one container
- Removing labels from containers before disposal
- Not checking local rules (they vary significantly between communities)
Pro Tips
- Buy only what you need to reduce leftover hazardous products
- Share leftover paint or chemicals with neighbors through Buy Nothing groups o...
- Many hardware stores accept specific items year-round (motor oil, batteries, ...
- Earth911.com is the best resource for finding disposal options by product and...
- Some communities offer curbside HHW pickup for elderly or disabled residents