Cleaning products are not all alike: They differ not only in smell or packaging, but also in their effects on the environment. Many everyday cleaning supplies contain hazardous substances which, when disposed improperly, are dangerous to the environment.

Read labels to find out if products are hazardous. Generally, household hazardous waste (HHW) belongs to one of the following hazardous waste categories.

• Corrosive - Labels usually state, “Corrosive - avoid contact with skin and eyes.”

• Flammable - label usually reads, “Extremely Flammable”
• Reactive - “Warning - strong oxidizer” usually appears on label.
• Toxic - Poisonous.  Labels may have the skull and crossbones and usually state, “Danger/Poison”

When you dispose of these products, they become household hazardous waste (HHW). If you cannot use all of the product, give it to somebody who can.

Homemade cleaning products are often a safe alternative to hazardous commercial brands.  Whether you need to shine your silver or deodorize your rug, you can mix up your own environmentally friendly cleaning supplies.  Common ingredients such as baking soda, borax, lemon juice, white vinegar and ketchup, often work as alternative cleaning substances.
Click here for a list of Hazardous Product Alternatives