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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Solid and Hazardous Materials Bureau of Waste Reduction and Recycling HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL and ALTERNATIVES CHART U - Use up according to label directions T - Wrap and discard with other household trash P - Pour down drain slowly with plenty of water S - Save for a household hazardous waste collection program D - Dry out and then discard with other household trash R - Take to a Recycling center PRODUCT DISPOSAL ALTERNATIVES Cleaners general purpose liquid U P vinegar or lemon juice diluted with water; or three tablespoons washing soda in 1 quart water scouring powder U T baking soda, salt, or borax metal polishes U S use baking soda paste furniture polish U S dip cloth in olive, soybean, or raw linseed oil; or mix 2 tablespoons olive oil with 1 tablespoon vinegar and slowly stir into 1 quart water rug cleaners U S sprinkle baking soda on rug then vacuum; use club soda on stains KEY TO DISPOSAL CODES ---PAGE BREAK--- spot removers U S clean spill quickly with club soda, or use baking soda paste on stains toilet bowl cleaner U P flat cola, borax, or baking soda oven cleaner U S wipe up spills quickly; wash with baking soda using a scrubber; or sprinkle with baking soda or salt, let sit, and then rinse Home Maintenance latex paint U D use whitewash or milk paint oil-based paint U S use latex paint when possible paint thinner U S let paint settle out and then reuse glues/adhesives U D S use white or yellow glue; let glue dry out if it is water based; save if solvent based drain opener U S P prevent problems by using strainer and flushing pipes weekly with boiling water; use a plunger or snake; and put 1/2 cup each vinegar and baking soda down the drain, flushing 15 minutes later air freshener U T use flowers, herbs, or potpourri; place vinegar or vanilla in an open dish; or clean the source of the odor with baking soda degreasers U S detergents paint stripper U S sand or scrape paint Auto Repair motor oil R none antifreeze R P none gasoline S none; do not use as a cleaner vehicle batteries R none carburetor cleaner S none Pesticides bug sprays/insecticides U* S handpick or trap pests; keep household clean and food covered; caulk or seal ---PAGE BREAK--- weed killer U* S maintain a healthy lawn by adjusting the pH to 6.5, mowing high with a sharp blade, and watering deeply when the soil is too dry flea killers U* S use a flea comb, vacuum often, and wash pets bedding wood preservatives U* S use wood that is naturally resistant (cedar, honey locust, oak) and protect from dampness and insects; look for recycled plastic lumber disinfectant U* S P borax or pine oil with soap insect repellant U* S don’t wear scented products outdoors; and burn citronella candles, punk, or incense Hobby/Miscellaneous photographic chemicals U S P none artist paints U S use water-based products whenever possible swimming pool chemicals U S P none household batteries R S T use rechargeable batteries aerosols T S use pump or liquid; if not hazardous, wrap it up and discard with other household trash; save for a household hazardous waste collection program if it contains hazardous materials mothballs U S keep garments clean; wrap in linen or seal in paper packages or cardboard boxes; use cedar chips; kill eggs by running dry garment through a warm dryer ALWAYS READ ALL PRODUCT LABELS CAREFULLY! * - Do Not Use Up Pesticide Products Which Have Been Banned or Restricted Disposal recommendations are listed in order of preference. This chart only provides a small example of the known substitutes, not all are completely non-toxic. Use all hazardous products with care. Many of the possible alternatives listed in this chart have been taken from Household Hazards: A Guide to Detoxifying Your Home, published by the League of Woman Voters of Albany County, New York.