Hazardous Waste
Do not place any hazardous materials in with garbage. Call the Fairfield County Recycling & Litter Prevention office at 740.681.4423 for disposal options, or see below.
Residents of Fairfield County may check out the listing of disposal sites
Please spread the word that once paint is solidified, it is no longer harmful to the environment! When paint is hardened it can be placed in your normal trash disposal. Only when it is liquid does it pose a threat of contaminating soil and ground water. Paint can be hardened, and then disposed with regular trash. Products like sand, kitty litter, sawdust, or even a commercially available paint hardener can be used to speed up the process. Dry out latex paint in a well ventilated area by mixing it with kitty litter, paint hardener, etc. When the paint has dried, put the can in the regular garbage with the lid off. Do not put oil-based paint in the garbage.
Please remember that you can recycle motor oil, antifreeze and car batteries year-round. Click here for additional resources to dispose of these type of items. (Please call to confirm hours, acceptance policy, and other information.)
For a list of safer substitutes to hazardous household products please see the Guide to Non-Toxic Products Below
Guide to Non-Toxic ProductsThe following is a list of safer substitutes to hazardous household products. Generally, these substitutes can be bought in grocery stores.
Toxic Product |
Non-Toxic Alternative |
Aerosol Spray |
Non-aerosol, pump-type spray |
Ant Control |
Cream of tartar or red chili pepper in their path |
Aphid Killer |
Soap and water spray |
Bathroom Cleaner |
Borax, vinegar, and water |
Bug Spray |
Screens on windows and doors |
Chemical (Synthetic) Fertilizers |
Slow release/organic fertilizer |
Copper Cleaners |
Pour vinegar and salt over copper and rub |
Deodorizers/Air Fresheners |
Simmer cinnamon and cloves |
Drain Openers |
Plunger or a plumber's snake |
Flea Repellant |
Use a flea comb on pet |
Floor Cleaner |
Vinegar and water |
Furniture Polish |
Olive and almond oil |
Glass and Window Cleaner |
Vinegar and water |
Laundry Detergent |
Liquid detergents or soaps with low or no phosphates |
Oil- or Solvent-Based Paint |
Water-based or latex paints |
Oven Cleaner |
Baking soda and water or automatic cleaner |
Rat Poison |
Mechanical-snap or non-snap traps |
Rug and Upholstery Cleaner |
Club soda for spills |
Scouring Powder |
Baking soda |
Snail/Slug Bait |
Surround plants with copper band barrier or beer traps |
Toilet Bowl Cleaner |
Borax or baking soda |
Weed Killer |
Hand pull, long handled weed puller, pour boiling water on them if between cracks in the sidewalk. Can use newer propane burning techniques |