Household Chemicals

Many common household products can actually be classified as hazardous waste! Protect your home and our water resources by learning how to dispose of toxic products carefully and how to make easy substitutions for those products.

Don’t Pour It Out

When toxic chemicals are poured down household drains, toilets, stormdrains, on the ground, or even thrown out, those chemicals are likely to end up in nearby waters.

• If the product is still usable, but you don’t need it all, share with friends or neighbors who might need it.
• Buy only what you need for the job you’re working on. More is not always better, when you think about the extra effort to store and dispose of the product.
• Never pour household chemicals down the drain.
• Eco-Depot is a free drop-off at the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation’s facility at the Central Landfill in Johnston. You can make an appointment at Eco-Depot to bring in your leftover household chemicals.

End Your Toxic Relationships

One way to reduce stormwater pollution caused by household hazardous waste is to minimize the amount of household chemicals that you use.

• Choose non-hazardous products when you can. Lemon juice, vinegar, hot water, borax, soap, and baking soda are good alternatives to harsh chemical cleansers. Check online for non-toxic home cleaning recipes.
• Buy phosphate-free, biodegradable detergents and cleaners and water-based products, when possible, as they are typically less toxic.

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What Do You Do With Household Chemicals