Toxic Trash

These items can be a threat to the environment if not handled properly. The most preferable method for handling these items is to entirely use them, or to share them with someone else who can. Avoid purchasing more of these materials than you can use. Please consider the less toxic substitutes as well.

The Waste Management District provides Household Hazardous Waste Collections every other year. Call 521-2020 for details. Residents are asked to reduce the materials delivered to these events as much as possible to help minimize the cost of this very expensive service. If you are a business, please check out our commercial vendor list for a list of service providers.

This is a partial list of usual household materials. If you have large quantities of special materials, call the Waste Management District Office for disposal advice.

The following products can be poured down the drain safely with plenty of water (protect skin and eyes). If you have a septic tank, read labels to determine if a product could damage your septic system.

The following products cannot be poured down the drain, but can be safely disposed of in sanitary landfill. Be certain the materials are properly contained before it is put out for collection.

The following products are hazardous which if unable to be used should be saved for a community wide collection. Keep these materials in the original containers.

*Fuels such as gasoline, fuel oil, and kerosene can be used for up to one year. Beyond that time they can be safely used as fuel when first mixed with equal parts of fresh fuel.

***Paint thinners and strippers can be reused by allowing the particles to settle out in a container and gently pour the cleared solvent into another container to use again. Pour the sludge onto newspapers and discard in the trash.

****Mercury can be replaced by contacting the Clark County Health Department at 390-5600.


Hazardous Product	Safer Substitute
All Purpose Cleaner	In 1 quart or hot water, mix 1 teaspoon liquid soap, boric acid (borax), lemon juice, and/or vinegar. Make stronger according to the job to be done.
Glass Cleaner	Mix 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice in 1 quart water. Spray on and use newspaper to wipe dry
Drain Cleaner	Pour boiling water down the drain once a week. Use a plunger or snake the drain.
Oven Cleaner	Clean spills as soon as the oven cools using steel wool and baking soda; for tough stains, add salt (do not use this method in self-cleaning or continuous-clean ovens).
Toilet Bowl Cleaner	Use a toilet brush with baking soda or vinegar.
Furniture Polish	Wipe with mixture of 1 teaspoon lemon oil in 1 pint mineral or vegetable oil.
Rug Deodorizer	Deodorize dry carpets by sprinkling liberally with baking soda. Wait at least 15 minutes and vacuum. Repeat if necessary. To clean rugs, vacuum first to remove dirt. Mix 1 quart white vinegar and 3 quarts boiling water. Apply to nap of rug with wet rag being careful not to saturate rug backing. Dry thoroughly, then vacuum.
Plant Sprays	Wipe leaves with mild soap and water; rinse.
Roach and Ant Repellent	Sprinkle powdered boric acid in cabinet edges, around baseboards, and in cracks.
Mothballs	Use cedar chips, lavender flowers, rosemary, mint or white peppercorns.
Flea and Tick Repellants	Mix brewer's yeast or garlic in your pet's food; sprinkle fennel, rue, rosemary or eucalyptus leaves around animal sleeping areas.

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