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 non-toxic approach avoids use of hazardous products, which protects your health and the environment.
- Safer Non-Toxic Cleaning brochure and more available in:
- Make a non-toxic cleaning kit. All you need is: a bucket, spray bottle, rag or scrubber, Castile Soap, vinegar and baking soda.
- Take a Safer Cleaning Workshop.
- See our local Hazardous Waste Management Program’s website for more help choosing safer, more environmentally-friendly products.
- See the EPA’s website for info on EPA Safer Choice certified products, including products for homes and businesses.
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
An estimated 10 percent of all house paint purchased goes unused. In Washington State, that amounts to 1.5 to 2 million gallons of useful but unwanted paint every year.
- Oil-based paint can be brought to the Factoria Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Site for no cost drop-off.
- Latex (water-based) paint can be disposed of in two ways (for now):
- Drop it off at a local paint recycler, where it will get as second life. Fees and restrictions apply.)
- Dry it out by mixing in kitty litter and place it in the garbage. (Here's how).
Coming in Spring, 2021:
Recycling unwanted paint will soon get easier for residents and businesses thanks to a new law that creates an industry-funded and run paint take-back program that will be implemented across Washington State!
The Paint Stewardship Program will accept at no cost unwanted paints and stains, both oil and water-based, from households and businesses at participating paint retailers and solid waste facilities including transfer stations, recycling centers, and landfills, as well as household hazardous waste (HHW) facilities. (A small fee on the purchase price of paint will fund the program.) Consider holding on to your unwanted paint until a collection site is available near you.