Cleaning Products

Illegal in Garbage & Drains
Hazardous Waste

Hazardous Waste Collection 
Cleaning products need special handling to avoid toxic exposure for waste workers, the community, and the environment. 

City Specific Disposal Options
Please check with your city page (residential or commercial) to confirm if additional options are available, such as home collection, drop-off locations, and/or events. (These options vary per city.)

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Drop-Off
Your city or county may offer HHW drop-off sites and collection events.
– Los Angeles County: S.A.F.E. Collection Centers and events
– Riverside County
San Bernardino County
– Ventura County 

Disposal Options For Businesses
Hazardous waste cannot be placed in your containers. Schedule a Special Waste Collection by emailing [email protected] or calling Athens’ Customer Service Department at 888-336-6100. Fees may apply.

Some HHW drop-off centers may allow drop off by small business generators (check links above).

cleaning-product-liquids

Dilute Liquids, Powders and Gels

It’s OK to flush small amounts of cleaning product down the drain, but only if they’re liquid, powder or gel. Here’s a list of flushable products: bleach, drain cleaner, tub/tile cleaner, carpet cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner and drain opener. Never dispose of these products in the storm drain; storm drains go directly to lakes and rivers.

Solids Go in the Trash

Solid household cleaning products go in the trash: pads, sheets, pastes, crystals, disks, sticks and towelettes. Don’t flush any of these items down the drain.

wipes

Never Flush Wipes Down Drain

Wipes are a “solid” because they are sheets, so never flush them down the drain. Wipes do not break down as they move onto the water treatment plant, and will end up clogging their screens. Find out more.

Dispose of Empties

Empty cleaning product bottles are often recycled but not always. Find out what to do with empty containers.

Ways to Reduce

Purchase Natural Cleaners

Consider switching to more eco-friendly cleaners. Chemical cleaners can expose your household to a variety of harmful ingredients and VOCs. They can also introduce more chemicals into the environment when they are washed down the drain. Check out the EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning or follow these easy recipes from Real Simple to make your own natural cleaners.

Use Up Products

Avoid throwing away partially full bottles; try to use up the cleaning product completely before disposing of it. This increases the lifespan of these products, reduces waste and saves money.