Common hazardous products

Find information about safe storage and disposal of common hazardous products. For more information, ask Metro at 503-234-3000.

Adhesives and gluesAerosolsAir fresheners and deodorizersAmmunitionAntifreezeArts and crafts suppliesAsbestosBatteries, autoBatteries, householdBleachBrake fluidCarpet and rug cleanersChemistry setsCleaners, all-purposeDegreasersDetergents, dishwashing or laundryDisinfectantsDrain cleanersFertilizers, chemicalFingernail polish and removerFlea controlGasoline, kerosene and diesel fuelHair productsHand cleaners, mechanic or painterLighter fluid, charcoalLubricating oilsMedicines, unwanted or expired drugsMercury- and PCB-containing itemsMoss killerMothballs and moth crystalsMotor oil and oil filtersOven cleanersPaint and clear wood finishPaint strippers or paint scrapingsPaint thinnersPaint, water-basedPesticidesPhotographic chemicalsPolishes and cleaners, metalPolishes and waxes, wood furniture and floorsPolishes, cleaners or waxes, automotivePolishes, shoePool or spa chemicalsSeptic tank cleanersSharps or medical wasteSmoke detectors, ionizing typeSoot remover or creosote destroyerStain and spot removersTransmission fluidWindshield wiper solutionWood preservatives

Read product labels carefully before you buy and watch for the signal words danger, warning and caution. Danger means the product is extremely hazardous because it is poisonous, extremely flammable or corrosive. Warning or caution indicates a product that is somewhat less hazardous but still poses dangers.

Products without the signal words above are considered the least hazardous. Buy the least hazardous products you can find to do the job, or try alternatives.

If you must purchase hazardous products, buy only what you can use completely to avoid needing to store the product. If you do have leftovers, try to find someone who can use them up.

Many products should be taken to a hazardous waste disposal site. For disposal options outside the Portland metropolitan area, call your garbage hauler, local government office or the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.

Search Metro's online database for disposal options near you