Disposal Tips

Here are some tips to help you reduce the amount of household hazardous waste you generate and on the proper use, storage, and disposal of products.

First -  Be a Good Consumer

Before you buy a product...

• Think about the job at hand.
• Research the type of product(s) you need to effectively perform the job.
• Read product labels carefully.
• Choose the product that is best for the job.
• Consider purchasing environmentally safe products or make your own less toxic alternative product.  (For recipes download the "Recipes - Less Toxic Alternatives" brochure)
• Purchase only what you can use. (For tips on buying the right amount of paint download "The Household Paint Planner" brochure)

Before you use a product...

• Read the label and follow the directions for proper use.
• Follow all safety precautions.
• Use the recommended amount - more is not always better!

After you use a product...

• Read the label and follow directions for proper storage.
• Keep lid tightly closed.
• Keep product in original container with readable labels.
• Share any product you can't use with a friend or neighbor.

If you must dispose of a product...

• Follow the label directions if provided.
• Contact manufacturer if no directions are provided.
• Take your HHW to a County HHW collection event (see Harris County HHW program) or City HHW collection site (See - City of Houston HHW program).

Practice Safe Disposal

If you have unwanted hazardous products that you are not able to give away, dispose of them responsibly.

• Latex, or water-based paint, is non-hazardous and may be - disposed of in your trash if it is dried or solidified. Download - the Use & Disposal of Paint Guide to learn how.
• Used oil and oil filters can often be recycled at local auto - parts stores. Log on to Earth 911, http://www.earth911.org/ - or call 1-800-CLEAN UP to find a used oil collection center - near you.
• Alkaline batteries (in pagers, toys, flashlights, etc.) are not - considered hazardous and can be disposed of in your trash!
• Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cad) batteries are accepted at local - electronics stores (Best Buy, Radio Shack and Batteries - Plus). Log on to http://www.rbrc.org/index.html to find a - rechargeable battery collection center near you.
• Car batteries and other lead-acid batteries are accepted at - many metal scrap yards. These scrap yards may even pay - you a nominal amount for these batteries!

HHW disposal poses a special problem for residents. Area landfills cannot accept these wastes so disposal options are limited. To handle these wastes, the City of Houston and Harris County have developed programs to accept HHW from residents.

For more information regarding the Harris County HHW program call (281) 560-6200 and for the City of Houston HHW program call (713) 551-7355.

 

 

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