Step 2: Purge the Garage

Don’t let your garage or basement become a wasteland of hazardous products. Follow these tips:

• Avoid products such as paint thinner and pesticides that have the words “Poison” or “Danger” on the label – some labels will have words like Poison, Danger, Warning or Caution.
• Find out about proper disposal of household hazardous waste products in King County, and safer alternatives.
• Call the King County Household Hazards Line at 206-296-4692 if you have more questions.
• Place unusable latex paint in the garbage with the lid off, but it must be solidified first.
• The consumer guide “Grow Smart, Grow Safe” ranks 600 pesticides, fertilizers and soil amendments, helping you find less-hazardous products.
• Recycle your fluorescent tubes or compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs.
• Find out what to do with motor oil, car batteries, propane tanks and tires.
• Consult the federal government’s Household Product Database (external) to learn the ingredients of many products.
• Call the King County Household Hazards Line at 206-296-4692 if you have more questions.

Thanks to the following organizations for resources used on these pages:
Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County   Washington Toxics Coalition   Take Back Your Meds Coalition   Natural Yard Care program   King County Wastewater Treatment Division

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