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
Do you have unwanted or leftover paint? Recycle your paint products at a PaintCare drop-off site. Accepted products include latex paint, oil-based paint, stain, varnish, and more. Visit the PaintCare website to find a drop-off location near you and view a list of accepted products.
PaintCare is a product stewardship program that provides convenient locations to recycle unwanted paint. The industry-led program reports annually to the Washington State Department of Ecology. A small fee, called the PaintCare fee, is applied to all sales of eligible products in Washington, which funds all aspects of the program. Learn more about the PaintCare Program at www.paintcare.org/WA.