Many common products used in our homes—especially in the garage, yard, and kitchen—can become household hazardous waste if they are poured down storm drains, dumped outside, or leak from improper disposal.
When it rains, stormwater runoff carries pollutants from your driveways, sidewalks, and yards into nearby storm drains, which flow directly into our rivers, lakes, and streams without treatment.
Items like motor oil, antifreeze, pesticides, fertilizers, and paint can harm fish and wildlife, but kitchen materials can also cause pollution. kitchen and household cleaning products, fluorescent light bulbs, and batteries can also contain chemicals or metals that harm water quality and wildlife if improperly disposed of.
By safely storing household chemicals and taking items like paints, fluorescent bulbs, and batteries to local household hazardous waste collection programs, residents can help prevent pollution and protect our local waterways.
Learn More
- Garage & Yard Hazardous Waste
- Everyday Household Hazardous Waste
- Safer Alternatives
- Find Your Disposal Site
Garage & Yard Hazardous Waste
Motor Oil
Used motor oil contains contaminants that build up during engine operation, including heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, chromium, and zinc, along with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) formed during fuel combustion. These substances are toxic to wildlife and can persist in the environment. Because of these contaminants, used motor oil should never be dumped or poured down drains. Instead, collect used oil in a sealed container and take it to a certified recycling or household hazardous waste collection site.
Sources: U.S. EPA – Managing, Reusing, and Recycling Used Oil; U.S. EPA – Used Oil Management Standards
Leftover Paint
Many paints contain chemical ingredients that require careful disposal. Oil-based paints often include solvents such as toluene, xylene, and mineral spirits, while pigments may contain compounds like titanium dioxide, chromium, or cadmium. Older paints may also contain lead. Even some latex paints contain additives such as preservatives or mildewcides that should not enter the environment. Allow small quantities of latex paint to dry before disposal, and take oil-based paints or larger amounts to a household hazardous waste collection program.
Sources: U.S. EPA – Household Hazardous Waste
Fertilizers and Pesticides
Lawn and garden products contain nutrients and active ingredients designed to affect plant growth or control pests. Fertilizers commonly contain nitrogen (often in nitrate or ammonium forms) and phosphorus (phosphates). Pesticides may include active ingredients such as glyphosate, 2,4-D, permethrin, or imidacloprid. These substances can disrupt ecosystems if they accumulate in the environment. Apply products according to label instructions and dispose of unused materials through local hazardous waste collection programs.
Sources: U.S. EPA – Nutrient Pollution; U.S. EPA – Universal Waste
Pool chemicals
Many pool maintenance products contain strong disinfectants and oxidizers. Common active ingredients include chlorine compounds such as calcium hypochlorite and sodium hypochlorite, as well as stabilizers like cyanuric acid. Some algaecides also contain copper sulfate or quaternary ammonium compounds designed to kill algae and microorganisms. Because these chemicals are formulated to control biological growth, they can be harmful to natural ecosystems if improperly disposed of. Expired or unused pool chemicals should be taken to a household hazardous waste collection program.
Sources: U.S. EPA – Safe Storage and Handling of Swimming Pool Chemicals
Everyday Household Hazardous Waste
Household Cleaners
Many household cleaning products contain strong chemicals that can be harmful if improperly disposed of. Common ingredients include ammonia, sodium hypochlorite (chlorine bleach), and acids or alkalis used in products like drain cleaners and oven cleaners. These substances are considered corrosive and toxic and can irritate skin, damage materials, or react dangerously with other chemicals. Always follow product instructions and take unused or unwanted cleaning chemicals to a household hazardous waste collection program.
Sources: U.S. EPA – Household Hazardous Waste
Fluorescent Bulbs
Fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) contain small amounts of mercury, a toxic heavy metal used to produce light inside the bulb. Because mercury can be released if bulbs break or are disposed of improperly, many fluorescent lamps are regulated as hazardous or “universal” waste. Recycling these bulbs through a designated collection program helps prevent mercury from entering the environment and allows the glass and metal components to be recovered and reused.
Sources: U.S. EPA – Recycling and Disposal of CFLs and Other Bulbs that Contain Mercury
Aerosol Sprays
Aerosol products such as spray paints, air fresheners, lubricants, and cleaning sprays often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and propellants such as propane, butane, or dimethyl ether. These chemicals are highly flammable and can contribute to air pollution when released. Pressurized aerosol cans may also explode or release chemicals if punctured or exposed to heat. Because of these hazards, partially full aerosol containers should be handled through household hazardous waste collection programs.
Sources: U.S. EPA – Universal Waste
Old Batteries
Many household batteries contain metals and chemical compounds that can be harmful if they leak or are disposed of improperly. Examples include lead in car batteries, cadmium in nickel-cadmium batteries, lithium compounds in lithium batteries, and mercury in some button cell batteries. Because these materials are toxic and persistent in the environment, many battery types are regulated as universal waste and should be recycled through designated battery collection or household hazardous waste programs.
Sources: U.S. EPA – Universal Waste ; U.S. EPA – Used Household Batteries
Safer Alternatives to Household Hazardous Waste
Choosing products made with safer chemical ingredients can help reduce the amount of household hazardous waste generated at home. The United States Environmental Protection Agency Safer Choice program helps consumers identify cleaning and household products that meet EPA standards for human health and environmental safety. Products with the Safer Choice label are reviewed by EPA scientists to ensure that each ingredient meets strict criteria for toxicity, environmental persistence, and impacts on aquatic life.
Using Safer Choice–certified products for everyday cleaning—such as all-purpose cleaners, laundry detergents, and dish soaps—can reduce the use of more hazardous chemicals in the home. Choosing safer alternatives helps prevent pollution at the source and lowers the number of hazardous materials that may require special disposal.
Sources: U.S. EPA – Safer Choice
Find Your Local Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Site
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