Disposal Options

Source: Managing Household Hazardous Waste. Missouri Household Hazardous Waste Project.

REUSE/RECYCLE

Recycle Reuse/Recycle is the preferred option whenever possible. Automotive service centers may accept used motor oil, batteries, antifreeze and transmission fluid. Theater and art groups or housing organizations may be happy to receive leftover paint. Jewelers or hearing aid service stores may accept button batteries for recycling. Contact you local officials for recycling locations in your area. Finally, consider using up the product yourself.

FLUSH

Pipe Flush down the drain indicates a product can be poured down the drain with plenty of water. Contact your wastewater officials before pouring to determine if this recommendation is suitable to your area. Some products cannot be broken down by the wastewater treatment process and are discharged untreated into lakes and rivers. If you have a septic system, only dispose of small quantities down the drain and dilute them with plenty of water first.

TRASH

Trash Fact Place in the trash indicates that a product is suitable for landfill disposal. Generally speaking, empty containers can be thrown away. Liquids should never be disposed of in the trash. Some products are acceptable for landfill disposal if they are hardened or dried up. Contact your local officials before throwing any product of concern away.

SAVE

Save for collection indicates those products that should be secured and held for a hazardous waste collection day. If you must wait for a collection program, store products safely in their original containers with the labels intact, and out of reach of children and pets. Contact local officials to find out when and where a collection may be held in your area.
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