How to Dispose of Chemical Cleaners {Green in 365: Spring}

 

This is Day 72 of the Green in 365 series!

Yesterday we talked about why we should get toxic, chemical cleaners out of our homes, and some of you may be wondering what you should do with those leftover bottles of conventional cleaners. Throw them away? Dump them down the drain? What is the right way to go about it?

Here are a few ideas for safely getting rid of your chemical cleaners: 

• Sell them.

I sold most of my leftover chemical cleaners at a garage sale, and I was surprised at how quickly they sold. It wasn’t about making money for me, I only charged $0.25 a bottle, but I figured if people are going to buy and use those types of cleaners anyway, at least I saved them some money.

• Donate them.

It is pretty likely that the local homeless shelter, your church, your kid’s daycare, or somewhere similar uses conventional cleaning products, so you could pass your leftover cleaners along for a good cause, and know that again, your saving them the cost of buying new bottles of cleaners.

• Contact your waste management company.

If you still have some bottles of leftover cleaners that you’re unsure what to do with, it’s best to contact your local waste management company and ask about the best way to dispose of them. Many cities will have special collection days, or a place where you can drop your unwanted bottles off so they can be disposed of properly.

• Some can be poured down the drain.

According to Mother Nature Network, some cleaning products are water soluble, those that are used in water like laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, fabric softener, etc., and can be poured down the drain. Be careful though to only pour one type of cleaner at a time so you don’t mix the chemicals, and avoid pouring detergents with phosphates down the drain as they can have a negative effect on natural water sources.

Do you have any tips for disposing of unwanted chemical cleaners safely?  

Find all the Green in 365 posts.

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