Home Care
Many common household products are hazardous. If not used and disposed of properly, these products pollute our waterways. These items should NEVER be dumped in a storm drain!
- Cleaning products: oven cleaner, floor wax, furniture polish, drain cleaner and spot remover
- Vehicle care and maintenance: motor oil, battery acid, gasoline, car wax, engine cleaner, antifreeze, degreaser, radiator flush and rust preventative
- Home improvement products: paints, preservatives, strippers, brush cleaners and solvents
- Other products labeled toxic, flammable, or corrosive, or containing lye, phenols, petroleum distillates or trichlorobenzene
Hazardous substances around the house
- If you use paints, solvents, and cleaners, use them sparingly and store them properly to avoid spilling. Dispose of these toxic substances through a household hazardous waste collection program, never down a drain or storm drain. Use non-toxic alternatives whenever possible.
- Brushes used with water-based paint can be rinsed in the sink. For oil-based paints, clean with paint thinner, which can be filtered and reused. Never clean brushes or pour paint or solvents in a gutter, storm drain or ditch.
- Consider using non-toxic, biodegradable cleaners, especially when cleaning outdoor surfaces.
- When carpets are cleaned, dispose of wash water in the toilet. Don't dump it outside, because it contains particles and potentially toxic cleaning substances.
Other common household water pollutants
- Dispose of drywall, concrete, and mortar in the trash. Do not rinse concrete or mortar into storm drains or ditches. Project debris should be swept up and bagged like garbage.
- Pick up pet waste and dispose of it in the trash or toilet. Pet wastes contribute nutrients, parasites and bacteria to stormwater runoff.
- Take used cooking oil and grease to a household hazardous waste collection site or dispose of it with trash. Do not pour oil or grease down the sink, toilet or into a storm drain.
- If you have a septic system, inspect it and the drain field annually or whenever it smells. Pump out the tank every 3 years or as needed.
Source: www.nccwep.org
