A product is considered toxic if it causes serious injury or death when ingested, absorbed or inhaled. A product is considered flammable if it will ignite under most temperature conditions. A corrosive is a chemical or its vapors that wears away or causes deterioration of body tissues or other materials at the site of contact. Hazardous materials, such as toxic, flammable and corrosive products do not belong in your regular trash nor are they recyclable curbside.

The best alternative is to find non-toxic substitutes for household cleaning products. Several local stores carry these safer products and there are numerous books available on simple homemade solutions. When no acceptable alternative exists, purchase only the amount you will use and follow the instructions carefully. Be sure to store products away from children and pets.

In general, hazardous materials should never be mixed together, never flushed down the toilet, never poured on the ground or down a storm drain, and never buried.

Many communities have collection programs for hazardous materials, which should be in the original containers or in secure, leak-proof, clearly labeled containers. If a container leaks it should be placed in a larger container and packed with an absorbent material such as cat litter.

Here are some materials that are included in hazardous collections:

• Insecticides (Chlordane, DDT, Malathion, Sevin, Arsenic, etc.)
• Herbicides
• Other pesticides (used for control of rodents, fungi, snails, mites, etc.
• Fertilizers with herbicides
• Paint thinners and solvents
• Oil-based paints
• Swimming pool chemicals
• Unwanted fuels (gasoline, kerosene)
• Photographic chemicals
• Used motor oil
• Brake fluid and antifreeze
• Car batteries
• Button batteries (used in watches, hearing aids, calculators)
• Household alkaline batteries (used in toys, flashlights, radios)

The following are usually not acceptable:

• Latex paint -- allow to dry out in a safe, ventilated area and put in the trash
• Commercial, industrial, or medical wastes (including biologically active wastes)
• Radioactive materials
• Asbestos -- should only be removed by a trained contractor.
• Explosives
• Compressed gas cylinders
• Shock-sensitive materials
• Dioxins, Kepones
• Unknowns (items without any clear identification)