Ever wondered if you can simply toss your old cleaning chemicals in the trash?
Do you sometimes feel guilty pouring leftover bleach down the drain?
You’re not alone. Every year, over 1.6 million tons of hazardous household waste, including cleaning products, end up in landfills across the United States. Many of these chemicals seep into the ground, contaminating drinking water sources, harming marine life, and affecting human health.
Even products labeled as “safe” can pose risks when disposed of improperly.
Cleaning products are everywhere—under the sink, in bathroom cabinets, and even in the garage. From oven cleaners and toilet bowl disinfectants to drain cleaners and glass sprays, these products often contain hazardous chemicals that require special handling.
Simply dumping them in the trash or washing them down the drain isn’t just wasteful—it can be harmful.
So, how do you properly dispose of cleaning products? This guide will take you through the right disposal methods, explain which products are hazardous, and provide quick-reference tips to make it easier. You’ll also learn about local waste disposal facilities, take-back programs, and household hazardous waste collection sites—because a little effort in disposal can make a big difference for our environment.