Solvents and Other Home Cleaning Products

Material Description

Home aerosol and liquid cleaning products including bleach, detergent, ammonia and bathroom, oven, and rug cleaners.

Environmental Impacts

Potential environmental impacts depend on the ingredients in the products you are using. Many household solvents and other home cleaning products have corrosive chemical ingredients and may cause health hazards if not used according to label directions. Never mix products unless directed by the label. Many products may not be suitable for disposal in septic systems.

Too Valuable to Waste

Always try to use products up.

Legal Requirements

Household waste is excluded from regulation as a hazardous waste identified in chapter NR 605, Wis. Adm. Code, (PDF, exit DNR). However, if a household waste is managed separately by a non-household member, this exemption no longer applies.

Your local government may have legal restrictions on throwing certain materials in the garbage or down the sewer. Homeowners should check with their local recycling program or public works or public health departments to find out about local restrictions.

Preferred Handling Option: Use It UP and Safe Disposal!

• The best handling options depend on the ingredients in the products you are using and the community in which you live. Read the label for proper disposal techniques and take personal responsibility for determining the appropriate disposal option. When in doubt, ask!
• UW-Extension has developed a publication that explains how to identify cleaners containing solvents and home cleaning products (PDF, exit DNR).
• Many county Web sites (exit DNR) may also contain more information on clean sweep sites.
• Some products may need to be taken to county clean sweeps programs. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has additional information about county clean sweep programs (exit DNR).