Almost every household product that is typically kept out of the reach of children is hazardous. Never pour these products into the storm sewer or down the drain because they can be toxic to the environment. Some common household hazardous products include: air freshener, bleach, drain cleaners, furniture polish, hand cleaners, floor cleaners, metal polishes, toilet bowl cleaners and window cleaners.

Hazardous products have warning labels to help you identify them, such as:

• • “Harmful or fatal if swallowed” – poisonous
  • “Keep out of reach of children” – poisonous and has other hazardous properties
  • “Use only in a well-ventilated area” – poisonous fumes
  • “Do not use near heat” – flammable or may explode on changing from liquid to a gas
  • “Causes severe burns on contact” – corrosive and burns skin

Be sure to properly dispose of household hazardous materials to prevent storm water pollution.

Disposing of Household Hazardous Waste – Voucher Program
The Adams-Clermont Solid Waste District and Environmental Enterprises have partnered to offer a disposal voucher for Clermont residents looking to dispose of hazardous wastes around their homes.  The Solid Waste District will issue a voucher for payment if a resident is willing to bring the hazardous materials to Environmental Enterprise’s location at 4650 Spring Grove Avenue in Cincinnati.  All the resident has to do is call the District at 732-7745 and let them know what hazardous materials they have.  The District will mail the voucher, which the resident will take along with the materials to Environmental Enterprises, and the District will pick up the disposal fee.

Disposing of Paint:Unfortunately, there are no local outlets for recycling or disposing of paint.  The best way to dispose of latex paint is to allow it to dry, and then it can be safely disposed of with your regular household wastes.  The drying process can be sped up by mixing the paint with cat litter, sawdust, or by leaving the paint can lid off.  Used paint should never be dumped into the storm drain. Remember – these storm drains do not lead to a treatment plant – they empty directly into our rivers and streams.

Handling Household Hazardous Waste
Here are some ways to prevent storm water pollution when using hazardous products.

• • Buy only the amount of household product needed.
  • Store unused products in a secure location.
  • Buy nontoxic, biodegradable, and recyclable products when possible. For ideas, click here.
  • Clean up product spills immediately and safely.
  • Dispose of household products only at approved disposal locations.