Tips on Proper Disposal and Greener Cleaning

The following steps are designed to help you make the best decisions about cleaning products for your family, your community and the environment.

1. Before you buy…

Think about the cleaning job at hand; choose the product that is best for the job and then buy only what you can use. Also, think about waste reduction even before you buy. By buying concentrated products, refills or containers made from recycled materials – and by recycling your used containers – you’re keeping excess trash out of landfills.

2. Before you use…

Read the label and follow directions for proper use as well as all safety precautions. It’s also important to remember to use the recommended amount. More is not necessarily better!

3. After you use…

The label will be extremely helpful to you even after use, as it will have directions for proper storage, so keep the product in the original container with readable labels. Keep the lid tightly closed. If there is a child resistant closure, use it. And finally, share any product you can’t use with a friend or neighbor.

4. If you must dispose of a product…

Follow label directions if provided. If there are no directions, think about how you use the product. If it mixes with water it’s water-soluble. Most liquid, gel and powder water-soluble household cleaning products can be disposed of down the drain with running water – just like when you use them.

Most solid products (soap scouring pads, sticks, towelettes, etc.) can be placed in the trash. For other products such as oven cleaners, crystal drain openers and furniture polishes, call or write the manufacturer for disposal recommendations, or check with your local waste disposal facility.

5. When you dispose of the containers…

Empty any unused product. Check with your community recycling center and local guidelines to see what type of plastic, paperboard and metal containers they accept.