Do:

Locate your nearest RCC and schedule an appointment to take your hazardous materials for proper disposal and recycling.

Contact your local solid waste agency about proper disposal methods.

Look for local options for recycling electronic waste, automotive products and fluorescent bulbs.

Do Not:

Dump into ditches, pour down drains or sewers, or place in the trash. Each of these actions has negative consequences.

Dump in ditches. This releases hazardous chemicals directly into the environment.

Pour down drains and storm sewers. This causes explosions in the sewer system. Storm sewers typically empty directly into lakes and streams, creating a path for hazardous chemicals to impact drinking water, recreation and aquatic life.

Place in the trash. This easily creates the opportunity for incompatible chemicals to mix. Chemical reactions can result in explosions, fires, and toxic fumes causing personal injury and damage to garbage trucks and equipment.

Do:

Store all containers out of the reach of children and pets.

Store cleaning products in their original containers, keeping the original labels intact.

Store HHMs away from heat, flame or sources of ignition in a well ventilated area.

Refer to label for storage instructions. Most cleaning products have long shelf lives and can be stored until they can be used.

Do Not:

Store cleaning products in a container that once contained a food or beverage. A child may mistakenly eat or drink it. Many HHMs look similar to sports drinks or soft drink type beverages. Even a small amount can pose significant risks.

Store cleaning products near food products as they could spill or leak and contaminate food.

Store flammable liquids or gasses in the home near heat or spark sources (charcoal lighter or propane cylinders).