| Substance | Problem | Proper Disposal | Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rodent bait | Lethal to humans and pets in minute quantities, such as one taste. | Use up according to directions or take to a hazardous waste collection site. | Cats, traps, chopped bay leaves, cucumber skins, cola. |
| Insect repellent | Poisonous. One teaspoon may be lethal to an adult when ingested. | Use up according to directions or take to a hazardous waste collection site. | Screens, protective clothing, creams or lotions are occasionally effective. |
| Garden insecticides, herbicides or fungicides | Poisonous. Can persist in the environment. Especially hazardous around food plants. | Use up according to directions or take to a hazardous waste collection site. | Strong hosing or hand picking. Soap & water spray (aphids). Keep garden clean. Use "natural" insecticides (i.e., pyrethrins) or predators (i.e., lady bugs). |
| Automobile batteries | Contain lead and are highly acidic (can produce serious burns). | Trade in or recycle when purchasing a new one. | Use public transportation, walk or ride a bicycle. |
| Paints | May contain solvents and other poisonous chemical compounds. | Donate to someone who needs paint. Let it dry up before disposal. | Use water-based (latex) paint if possible. Avoid aerosol sprays. |
| Lacquer, varnish, thinner and stripper | Poisonous. Solvent-based. Some are flammable and carcinogenic. | Use up according to directions or take to a hazardous waste collection site. | None, except for stripper. Sand off old finish in well-ventilated area. |
| Drain cleaners | Poisonous. Can cause serious burns. May contain carcinogens. | Wash down drain with plenty of water or take to hazardous waste collection site. | Boiling water, plunger, metal snake. |
| Oven cleaners | Poisonous. Can cause serious burns. May contain carcinogens. Spray cans the most dangerous. | Use up according to directions or take to a hazardous waste collection site. | Salt, quarter cup of ammonia overnight. |
| Toilet cleaners | Poisonous. Can cause serious burns. One teaspoon can be lethal to an adult. | Wash down drain with plenty of water or take to hazardous waste collection site. | Mild detergent or small amounts of bleach. |
| Spot removers | Poisonous. Most are solvent-based. May be carcinogenic. | Use up according to directions or take to a hazardous waste collection site. | Immediate cold water and detergent; rubbing alcohol or a little acetone. |
| Silver polishes | Include various poisonous solvents. One ounce may be lethal to an adult. | Use up according to directions or take to a hazardous waste collection site. | Soak silver in water with baking soda, salt and small piece of aluminum foil. |
| Furniture polishes | Include various poisonous solvents. One ounce may be lethal to an adult. | Use up according to directions or take to a hazardous waste collection site. | Mineral oil with lemon oil (but this may strip finish) or carnauba wax. |
| Cleansers | Strong oxidizers. Poisonous. Can cause burns. | Wrap tightly in plastic, place in box, tape shut and put in garbage. | Baking soda and mild detergent, elbow grease. |
| Window cleaners | Contain harmful chemical compounds sometimes carcinogenic. May cause birth defects. | Wrap tightly in plastic, place in box, tape shut and put in garbage. | Vinegar and water. |
| Bleach and liquid cleaners | Contain strong oxidizers. Can cause burns. | Wash down drain with plenty of water. | Use powder, not liquid bleach. |
| Dyes | Poisonous, especially to children; don't use cooking utensils when dyeing. May be carcinogenic. | Wrap tightly in plastic, place in box, tape shut and put in garbage. | Use vegetable dyes such as onion skins, teas, marigolds. |
| Wood preservatives | Produce highly toxic chemicals when burned. | Dispose of treated wood with other household garbage. | Use water repellent whenever possible instead of preservatives. |
| Aerosol products | Containers may explode if heated. Contents may be highly flammable and contain irritants, corrosives, toxins. | Use up or give away. Hold for a hazardous waste collection. EMPTY cans may be put in landfill. | Pump spray, roll-on or liquid products. |
| Air fresheners/deodorizers | Harmful to lungs if inhaled in high concentrations or for prolonged periods of time. Solid fresheners poisonous if eaten. | Dispose of non-aerosol containers in garbage. | Open windows and doors for a few minutes daily. Locate source of odor and eliminate. Baking soda frequently works well to absorb odors. |