Silver Polish Illegal in Garbage & Drains Hazardous Waste Residents may drop-off silver polish at the West County HHW Collection Facility. Never Pour Down Drain Silver polish is toxic and can have negative health effects after it enters waterways, so do not pour down the drain. Empty Containers Are Garbage If your silver polish container is empty, make sure any leftover residue is completely dry. Then, it’s okay to place that container in the garbage. Ways to Reduce Skip the Silver Polish All Together Instead of buying toxic silver polish, try one of these safer options from Greenopedia.