• Corrosive products burn the skin. Examples are oven cleaners, bleach and auto batteries
• Reactive wastes give off toxic gases. An example is chlorine.
• Toxic household items include pesticides, herbicides and antifreeze.
• Ignitable wastes include gasoline, turpentine, motor oil and other flammable materials.

These products should not be disposed of with ordinary trash. They may damage protective liners in landfills that keep waste from leaking into groundwater. They may also harm solid waste collectors or landfill employees.

The best method of managing household hazardous waste is to prevent its generation. Select the least toxic item to do the job and buy only the minimum amount necessary. Buying in large quantities is not a bargain if much of it is discarded.

An example of a less toxic cleaning product is a paste of baking soda and water for cleaning the oven. Below find more information on household hazardous wastes and instructions on how to make your own less toxic cleansers.

Consumer Guide To Safer Alternatives To Hazardous Household Products

Moving or Cleaning? Handling Household Hazardous Waste with Care (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)

Also visit your local library or bookstore for more books on non-toxic household cleaners.

Town of Cary solid waste customers who need to dispose of used motor oil can call the Public Works and Utilities Department at (919) 469-4090 to arrange a curbside pickup at no extra charge.

If the hazardous material is still useable (has not been damaged/shelf life has not expired, etc.), check with friends and neighbors to see if they might be able to use it.

If the material is not useable, take it to the following Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers:

North Wake Solid Waste Management Facility
9307 Deponie Drive
Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

South Wake Solid Waste Management Facility
6130 Old Smithfield Rd.
Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.