Many items you use in and around your home such as cleaners, oil-based paints and pesticides, are hazardous. Improper use and storage can be harmful to your family and the environment. You can avoid buying household hazardous wastes, using safer alternatives. You can also make sure you dispose of any you do have safely.
Smart Shopping
Avoid products with these words. (Products labeled "poison" or "danger" are the most hazardous.)
- CAUTION
- WARNING
- DANGER
- POISON
Safer Non-Toxic Cleaning
Everybody wants a clean and healthy home, but cleaning can expose us to many toxic substances. Taking the green approach avoids use of hazardous products, which protects your health and the environment.
- Safer Non-Toxic Cleaning brochure (inexpensive cleaning recipes, also available in Vietnamese, Chinese, Spanish,Russian and Korean)
- Make a green cleaning kit. All you need is: a bucket, spray bottle, rag or scrubber, Castile Soap, vinegar and baking soda.
- Take a Safer Cleaning Workshop.
Storage and Disposal of Hazardous Waste
Keep hazardous household products out of reach of children and pets. Store products under cover and off the ground, so they do not wash into storm drains. Do not put household hazardous waste in the garbage or recycling cart.
Disposal Locations
- Factoria Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Site (hours and location)
- What to bring and what not to bring to the Factoria Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Site
Other disposal resources
- E-Cycle Washington (computers, cell phones, TVs)
- King County Secure Medicine Return Program (find a location in Bellevue)
- LightRecycle Washington (fluorescent, CFL and HID lights)
Paint Disposal
- Oil-based paint can be brought to the Factoria Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Site.
- Latex (water-based) paint can be disposed of in two ways:
- Drop it off at a local paint recycler, where it will get as second life.
- Dry it out by mixing in kitty litter and place it in the garbage.