Household Hazardous Waste

FIRST - IDENTIFY THEM, look for the following words and phrases on labels:

USE UP ENTIRELY: Always read labels and follow directions carefully. If you can’t use a product up, try to find a neighbor, friend, or community organization who can. STORE IN A COOL DRY PLACE: Between collection events or trips to the recycle center, keep all hazardous products in original containers with lids fastened securely. Do not mix, combine, or consolidate them. RECYCLE OR TAKE TO COLLECTION SITE: Never throw hazardous products away with your regular trash. Motor oil, brake and transmission fluid, antifreeze, and car batteries can be recycled at most auto service facilities or auto parts stores. USE ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE PRODUCTS: Use latex paints instead of oil-based paints. Look for products that say: Environmentally safe, Biodegradable, Contains no phosphorus, Non-toxic, Non-corrosive. DON’T LET PRODUCTS GO TO WASTE: Buy only what is needed to do the job. Avoid over- purchasing with the thought it can be used later. DISPOSE OF IT CORRECTLY: Household chemicals, fluorescent light bulbs, and batteries should be taken the the Home Chemical Collection Center. Click HERE for location, hours, and a listing of acceptable items.

 Printable FAQ sheet

 
The easiest way to deal with left over paint is to not have any!
The best way to not have leftover paint is to buy the right amount, try this handy paint estimator:

HANDY PAINT ESTIMATOR 

However, when you do have left over paint, try some of the following tips:

Save excess paint for touchups—take a sheet of plastic wrap, place it over the opening of the paint can. Secure the lid on top of the plastic wrap, tapping the top with a hammer (cover the lid with a cloth). Store the can of paint upside down and protected from extremes in temperature. This will ensure that the paint will be usable the next time you want to use it.

Use it up!

• Save excess paint for touchups—take a sheet of plastic wrap, place it over the opening of the paint can. Secure the lid on top of the plastic wrap, tapping the top with a hammer (cover the lid with a cloth). Store the can of paint upside down and protected from extremes in temperature. This will ensure that the paint will be usable the next time you want to use it.
• Give excess paint to a relative, neighbor, neighborhood group, school, church, handi-crafter, or theater group for use.
• Paint an old board or inside of the garage.
• Double coat your project!

Dry it up!

• Latex (water based) paint can be disposed of in your regular trash IF it has been thoroughly dried & hardened!
• Pour layers of paint into a shallow box lined with plastic, letting the layers dry in between. When all layers are dried, place box in trash.
• If a can is 1/3 full or less, let the paint air dry in the can. Adding absorbent material, such as kitty litter, will help speed up the drying process.

Dispose of it!

Enamel (oil based) paint must be disposed of properly. Please call the Dallas Area Household Hazardous Waste Network, 214-553-1765 for information regarding local collection events & the Home Chemical Collection Center located in Dallas.

For information on RECYCLING, please contact the City of Richardson recycling coordinator at (972) 744-4231 or (972) 744-4404.

Dallas County Household Hazardous Waste Web Site
Disposing of prescription and non-prescription drugs
CFL Information (compact fluorescent lights)
TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality)