| Product |
Hazardous Property |
Safe and Proper Disposal |
Less Toxic Alternative |
| Aerosol Spray Can Products |
Flammable |
Spray and use all of product
then contact your municipality for disposal options |
Equivalent products in pump
sprays. For air fresheners, use baking soda, leave a small bowl of vinegar
out overnight, burn scented candles or clean garbage can more often with
baking soda. |
| Prescription and over-the-counter
drugs |
Toxic |
Many pharmacies have collection
programs. Ask your pharmacist. |
Explore non-drug options
if appropriate. |
| Floor Polish |
Flammable
Toxic |
Use all product. |
1 part lemon juice to 2
parts vegetable or olive oil. |
| Furniture Polish |
Flammable
Irritant
Toxic |
Use all product. |
3 parts olive oil to one
part white vinegar for finished wood, mineral oil for unfinished wood. |
| Home Hair Care Products
(hair dye, permanent solution, etc.) |
Irritant
Toxic |
Flush small amounts down
drain with lots of water. Rinse container before putting in garbage. |
Ammonia-free products for
permanents and plant-derived rinses for dyes. |
| Rechargeable Batteries |
Toxic |
See our Recycling Database for recycling locations. |
Wind-up products, AC adaptors. |
| Household (Alkaline) Batteries |
Toxic |
Check our Recycling Database for recycling options, or they may be taken to a municipal HHW disposal event. |
Wind-up products, AC adaptors,
rechargeable batteries. |
| Nail Polish and Remover |
Toxic |
Use all product or give
to someone to use. Open container and allow residue to harden in a safe,
well-ventilated area, then put in garbage or contact your municipality
for disposal options. |
Nail buffers. |
| Shoe Polish |
Flammable
Toxic |
Use all product. |
Shoe polish that does not
contain trichloroethylene (TCE), methylchloride and/or nitrobenzene. |
| Silver Polish |
Toxic |
Allow contents to solidify
in container, then put in garbage. |
Soak in boiling water with
baking soda, salt and a piece of aluminum or polish with toothpaste. |
| Smoke Detectors (ionizing
type) |
Radioactive |
Return ionizing-type to
manufacturer. |
Use photoelectric type instead
of ionizing type. |
