How to Dispose of Household Cleaners

This article was written with help from AI and edited by Thrive Market’s talented team of human writers.

If you’ve ever looked at a nearly empty bottle of bleach and wondered what to do with it, you’re not alone. While keeping your home clean is important, it’s equally essential to ensure that the leftover products used to scrub, spray, and sanitize don’t harm the environment. In this guide, we’ll break down how to safely dispose of household cleaners—whether it’s an empty container, a half-used bottle, or a cleaner you no longer need. Along the way, we’ll also explore conscious alternatives and simple steps to reduce waste altogether. 

Understanding Household Cleaners and Their Risks

Household cleaners can be categorized into several types, including:

• All-purpose cleaners
• Bathroom and kitchen cleaners
• Bleach-based products
• Ammonia-based cleaners
• Oven cleaners
• Drain openers

Although we don’t sell products containing substances such as ammonia, chlorine, phthalates, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), if improperly disposed of, these chemicals can contaminate water sources, harm wildlife, and pose risks to sanitation workers. For more information, see the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

General Principles for Disposal

The EPA and local waste management authorities emphasize the importance of following product labels for disposal instructions. Here are some general principles:

1. Read the Label: Many cleaners include specific disposal instructions. Labels may indicate whether a product can be poured down the drain, thrown in the trash, or requires special handling.
2. Avoid Dumping in Nature: Never pour household cleaners into storm drains, soil, or bodies of water. This can lead to significant environmental damage.
3. Dilution and Safe Disposal: In some cases, it’s acceptable to dilute small amounts of cleaner with water and pour them down the drain, provided your local wastewater system can handle such chemicals. Always consult your local guidelines.

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Household Cleaner Disposal Methods

Water-Soluble Cleaners

Products such as all-purpose cleaners and glass cleaners are often water-soluble and can be safely poured down the drain with running water, provided they do not contain hazardous substances.

1. Dilute the cleaner with water.
2. Pour small amounts down the drain while running cold water.
3. Dispose of the container in recycling or trash if it is empty and properly rinsed.

Non-Water-Soluble Cleaners

These include products like oven cleaners, drain openers, and concentrated degreasers, which may contain corrosive or toxic substances.

1. Take them to a hazardous waste disposal site. Check your community’s hazardous waste collection days or drop-off centers.
2. Contact your local waste management facility for guidance.

Aerosol Cleaners

Aerosol containers, such as those used for bathroom or kitchen sprays, pose unique challenges because they are pressurized. Improper disposal can lead to explosions or harm during trash collection.

1. Use the product completely before disposal.
2. If the can is empty, recycle it according to local recycling guidelines.
3. If the can still contains any product, take it to a hazardous waste facility.

Bleach and Ammonia

Bleach and ammonia are common but potent cleaning agents and should never be mixed due to the production of toxic chloramine gas.

Bleach

1. Dilute bleach with plenty of water and pour it down the drain if allowed by local authorities.
2. Alternatively, take leftover bleach to a hazardous waste facility.

Ammonia

1. Similarly, dilute ammonia with water before pouring it down the drain if permitted.

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Handling Empty Household Cleaner Containers

Empty containers, such as plastic bottles, can often be recycled. However, they must be rinsed thoroughly to remove any chemical residues. Check your local recycling program to confirm which types of plastics are accepted.

Key Steps for Recycling

1. Rinse the container thoroughly with water.
2. Remove labels if required by your recycling facility.
3. Place the container in the appropriate recycling bin.

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Household Cleaner Alternatives and Preventative Measures

Switching to environmentally friendly products and adopting sustainable practices can significantly lower your environmental footprint.

Eco-Friendly Alternatives

• Vinegar and Baking Soda: These natural cleaners can replace many commercial products for tasks like scrubbing surfaces and deodorizing.
• Castile Soap: A biodegradable and versatile soap suitable for many household chores.
• Hydrogen Peroxide: A safe alternative for disinfecting surfaces.

Preventing Waste

• Use Refillable Products: Choose brands that offer refill stations or bulk options.
• Make Your Own Cleaners: DIY cleaners (like an oven cleaner that needs only three ingredients) can be an effective substitute for commercial products.

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Special Considerations

Expired Cleaners

If a cleaner has expired, treat it as you would a hazardous product. For guidance, consult your local hazardous waste facility.

Unidentified or Mixed Cleaners

Don’t mix unidentified cleaners or pour them down the drain. Take them to a hazardous waste facility for proper identification and disposal.

Household Cleaner Spills

For spills, absorb the cleaner with an inert material such as cat litter or sawdust. Place the contaminated material in a sealed bag and dispose of it as hazardous waste. Refer to the EPA’s guidelines for spill handling.

Local and National Resources

Disposal requirements for household cleaners vary by location. Here are some resources to help you navigate local guidelines:

• Earth911: Provides a database of recycling and disposal facilities by zip code.
• EPA: Offers general guidelines on hazardous waste disposal.
• American Cleaning Institute: Provides safety and disposal information for household cleaning products.

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Environmental and Health Benefits of Proper Cleaner Disposal

Proper disposal of household cleaners benefits both the environment and public health. By keeping hazardous chemicals out of landfills and water systems, you contribute to:

• Protecting Ecosystems: Prevent contamination of soil and water sources.
• Reducing Health Risks: Minimize exposure to toxic substances for humans and animals.
• Conserving Resources: Recycling and reusing materials reduces demand for virgin resources.

Disposing of household cleaners safely requires awareness, effort, and adherence to local regulations. Switching to eco-friendly alternatives and reducing waste will enhance your impact too. For more information, visit the EPA’s website or use the Earth911 directory to find disposal locations near you.