Home Care

Many common household products are hazardous. If not used and disposed of properly, these products pollute our waterways. These items should NEVER be dumped in a storm drain!

  • Cleaning products: oven cleaner, floor wax, furniture polish, drain cleaner, and spot remover
  • Vehicle care and maintenance: motor oil, battery acid, gasoline, car wax, engine cleaner, antifreeze, degreaser, radiator flush, and rust preventative
  • Home improvement products: paints, preservatives, strippers, brush cleaners, and solvents
  • Other products labeled toxic, flammable, or corrosive, or containing lye, phenols, petroleum distillates, or trichlorobenzene

Hazardous substances around the house

  • If you use paints, solvents, and cleaners, use them sparingly and store them properly to avoid spilling. Dispose of these toxic substances through a household hazardous waste collection program, never down a drain or storm drain. Use non-toxic alternatives whenever possible.
  • Brushes used with water-based paint can be rinsed in the sink. For oil-based paints, clean with paint thinner, which can be filtered and reused. Never clean brushes or pour paint or solvents in a gutter, storm drain, or ditch.
  • Consider using non-toxic, biodegradable cleaners, especially when cleaning outdoor surfaces.
  • When carpets are cleaned, dispose of wash water in the toilet. Don’t dump it outside, because it contains particles and potentially toxic cleaning substances.

Other common household water pollutants

  • Dispose of drywall, concrete, and mortar in the trash. Do not rinse concrete or mortar into storm drains or ditches. Project debris should be swept up and bagged like garbage.
  • Pick up pet waste and dispose of it in the trash or toilet. Pet wastes contribute nutrients, parasites, and bacteria to stormwater runoff.
  • Take used cooking oil and grease to a household hazardous waste collection site or dispose of it with trash. Do not pour oil or grease down the sink, toilet, or into a storm drain.
  • If you have a septic system, inspect it and the drain field annually or whenever it smells. Pump out the tank every 3 years or as needed.

Additional Resources

Learn which household substances are hazardous and why

Find a household hazardous waste collection program near you

Look up hazardous household waste disposal locations on Earth911

There are many natural alternatives to toxic household chemicals. Here are non-toxic alternatives to household cleaners and products. There are also recipes for face and body care, yard care, natural pest control, and more!

NC State University provides information about household stormwater pollutants. There is also a section on drainage problems and solutions.

Poorly maintained septic systems are a significant and widespread source of water pollution. This Septic System Owner’s Guide describes proper septic system maintenance.

Additional stormwater resources and information from the state of North Carolina

Take this easy self-assessment to learn how to reduce stormwater pollution around your home and yard