Residential » Hazardous Waste Best Practices

Buying Practices
  • Buy only what you need or will use in a year.
  • Buy less toxic products or use alternatives.
  • Read labels and understand how harmful the product can be to you and your family.
  • Check out the inventory at the Swap Shop before buying.
Storage Practices
  • Keep products in original containers.
  • Store products safely away from children and pets.
  • Store products off damp floors to keep them dry so as not to rupture or rust.
  • Keep water-based products from freezing.
Disposal Practices
  • Use all products or give them to someone who can use them.
  • Take any unwanted products to the RCC or collection event in your area.
Other Best Practices
  • Latex Paint Disposal: Latex paint is not hazardous and can be thrown in your garbage once it is dry. Use cat litter or oil-dry to solidify the paint and dispose of in the garbage.
  • Unused Medication Disposal: Do not flush these down the toilet or down the drain. Locate a nearby participating pharmacy for disposal by going to http://www.iarx.org/takeaway/.
  • Rechargeable Batteries (NiCd, Li, NiMH, Pb): These contain toxic metals that should not be thrown away and should be recycled. The RCC will accept these, and many chain stores now have drop-off locations.
  • Alkaline Batteries (AAA, AA, C, D): These are not considered toxic and can be thrown away in your garbage.
  • CFLs and Fluorescent Tubes: Do not throw these in the garbage when they burn out. They are considered a hazardous waste because they contain mercury in the form of a vapor. They can be recycled. For proper disposal, take them to the RCC or a chain store that offers a drop-off box. If you break a bulb, view this link for safe cleanup procedures: http://www.epa.gov/cfl/cflcleanup.html.
Safer, Alternative Products Safer, Alternative Products
Product Examples

Ant Spray: Sprinkle red chili pepper or peppermint where ants enter.

Bug Spray: Use crushed hot peppers in water solution.

Garden Fertilizer: Use natural compost.

Glass Cleaner: Mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar in 1 quart water.

Mothballs: Use cedar chips or mint.

Rug Deodorizer: Sprinkle baking soda on carpet, let sit, and vacuum.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Use a toilet bowl brush and baking soda or vinegar.

 Helpful Links
Drop-off Your Hazardous Wastes
Household Hazardous
Waste Drop-Off Events

Clean Up Crew

Household hazardous waste drop-off is also available through a mobile collection unit that travels through more than 20 counties surrounding Polk County to provide for the safe disposal of hazardous waste. Residents can also bring items such as cleaners, insecticides, poisons, solvents, paint and other hazardous household products to these events.

Areas ServedSchedule of Events

Note: Drop off events are only available for residential waste. Waste from businesses, schools and farms are accepted by appointment with prior approval.

Recycling & Garbage Guide