How to Dispose of Pepper Spray (the right way)
Do not test, discharge, puncture, or burn unwanted pepper spray. The remaining contents and the rules where you live decide whether it goes to hazardous waste or ordinary trash. Keep …
Household Items
How to Dispose of Matches (the right way)
A match that has just gone out can still carry heat. Let it cool completely before it goes near paper, dry leaves, or household trash. Unused matches need more care. …
How to Dispose of Old Keys
Old keys are easy to forget, but give each one a final check before clearing it out. Work out what it opened and remove identifying tags. Then ask your local …
How to Dispose of Hair Dyes?
Leftover hair dye needs a quick condition check. A sealed box, separate unused components, mixed dye, and an empty package may need different handling. Start with the package directions. If …
How to Dispose of Bleach?
Never mix bleach with another cleaner or chemical. For unwanted bleach, keep the product labeled and ask your local household hazardous waste program about the exact type, amount, and container. …
How to Dispose of Coolant?
Keep used coolant in a sturdy, closed, labeled container, separate from oil and other fluids. Take it to a confirmed antifreeze recycler, household hazardous-waste program, or automotive service that accepts …
How to Dispose of Styrofoam?
Most curbside programs do not accept expanded polystyrene foam, often called Styrofoam. Check your local list before putting any foam in a recycling bin. Clean, rigid packing foam may have …
How to Dispose of Ammonia?
Leftover household ammonia should stay in its original labeled container while you check the product label and your local household hazardous waste program. Don’t mix, neutralize, pour, or transfer it …
How to Dispose of Aerosol Cans Safely?
An aerosol can’s route depends on what it held, whether anything remains, and your local program. Keep nonempty or damaged cans out of trash and curbside recycling. Do not puncture, …
How to Dispose of Acetone?
Acetone may be familiar from nail care or home projects, but leftover liquid is highly flammable and needs careful handling. Keep it in its original labeled container. Don’t pour it …
How to Dispose of Kerosene?
Old kerosene belongs with a program that accepts household fuel or hazardous waste. Keep it labeled, closed, and separate while you ask for local instructions. Do not pour it into …
How to Dispose of a Helium Tank?
A helium cylinder is a pressurized container, even when it feels light. Identify the brand and model first, check its condition, then follow only that manufacturer’s emptying instructions. Local programs …
How to Dispose of Old Shotgun Shells?
Old shotgun shells may still contain primer, powder, and shot. Leave live, damaged, found, or uncertain shells alone while you arrange a local handoff. Do not fire, cut, soak, burn, …
How to Dispose of a Dead Mouse?
A dead mouse indoors needs calm, careful cleanup. Avoid direct contact, wet the area with disinfectant, double bag the mouse, and clean nearby droppings without sweeping or vacuuming them. Prepare …
How to Dispose of Insulin Pens?
When you’re finished with an insulin pen, its needle, leftover medicine, and pen body may need different disposal methods. Put a used needle in a sharps container immediately. For leftover …