LunaseeStudios / Shutterstock.com dcwcreations / Shutterstock.com Cleaning Products Hazardous Waste Curbside Trash LunaseeStudios / Shutterstock.com dcwcreations / Shutterstock.com CURBSIDE TRASH Depending on the type of cleaning product will determine how you can properly dispose of the product. See below for the item information for specifics for which ones can go in the trash. In addition, see below for what to do when the container is emptied, as some can be recycled. HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE Some cleaning products are banned from the trash. For those specific item, residents may drop-off household hazardous cleaning products at the West County HHW Collection Facility. These items are banned from the trash and are considered hazardous waste: Bleach Ammonia Oven Cleaner Drain Cleaner/Opener Dilute Liquids, Powders and Gels It’s OK to flush small amounts of cleaning product down the drain, but only if they’re liquid, powder or gel. Here’s a list of flushable products: bleach, drain cleaner, tub/tile cleaner, carpet cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner and drain opener. Never dispose of these products in the storm drain; storm drains go directly to lakes and rivers. Perry Correll / digitalreflections / Shutterstock.com Solids Go in the Trash Solid household cleaning products go in the trash: pads, sheets, pastes, crystals, disks, sticks and towelettes. Don’t flush any of these items down the drain. Never Flush Wipes Down Drain Wipes are a “solid” because they are sheets, so never flush them down the drain. Wipes do not break down as they move onto the water treatment plant, and will end up clogging their screens. Find out more. Dispose of Empties Empty cleaning product bottles are often recycled but not always. Find out what to do with empty containers. Ways to Reduce Purchase Natural Cleaners Consider switching to more eco-friendly cleaners. Chemical cleaners can expose your household to a variety of harmful ingredients and VOCs. They can also introduce more chemicals into the environment when they are washed down the drain. Check out the EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning or follow these easy recipes from Real Simple to make your own natural cleaners. Use Up Products Avoid throwing away partially full bottles; try to use up the cleaning product completely before disposing of it. This increases the lifespan of these products, reduces waste and saves money.
