If your deep cleans uncover some hazardous items - like old batteries, expired medications, or chemical fluids - that you simply don't know what to do with, don't fret! We're here to help!

Here's how to properly take care of some of those common, potentially hazardous household substances, the better to keep your home plumbing system - and your family - safe.

Gasoline

If you've discovered an old gas can with some fluid still left in it, it is essential that it gets disposed of properly. Above all, it's important to remember to NEVER dispose of gasoline by pouring it into the ground, sewer, drain, stream, or any other body of water.  This is an exceptionally harmful act for the environment and can result in fires, explosions, or dangerous contamination.

If the gasoline appears to be in good condition, you can look into adding it to your fuel tank of your gasoline powered lawn mower, car, or truck.  If it has deteriorated, check out the City of Red Oak page for locations to dispose of gasoline (and other substances) safely.

Brake Fluid

Like gasoline, brake fluid should NEVER be emptied or leaked into a waterway. When changing your car's brake fluid, be sure to catch the run-off in a specifically designed run-off jar. After it has stopped draining, you can pour the liquid into a container of cat litter and leave it alone to evaporate before safely disposing of the litter.  Be sure to always keep this safely away from children, pets, and open flames during this process.

Batteries

Batteries contain heavy metals and acids that should never be disposed of via trash can. Different types of batteries should be disposed of at different facilities:

• Alkaline batteries - Dispose of via household hazardous waste collection service, or drop it off at a hazardous waste site yourself
• Button batteries - Household hazardous waste collection service or site
• Lithium/Lithium-ion batteries - Battery-recycling center
• Sealed lead-acid or nickel cadmium batteries - Household hazardous waste collection service or site
• Lead-acid vehicle batteries - Dispose of at the retailer, or sell to a metal recycler for scrap

Antifreeze

Antifreeze should never be poured down the drain or into any water source. Instead, pour your remaining unwanted antifreeze into a sealable container and bring it to your nearest auto parts store. The workers there will dispose of it for you.

Household Cleaners

Typically, household cleaners are made to be water soluble and are formulated for safe disposal. However, always be sure to read the label of your household cleaning product before disposing of it in any water source. And take note: In our experience, chemical drain cleaners should NOT be poured down your drain! We know this seems counterintuitive, of course, but drain cleaners are widely discouraged by plumbers as drain cleaners have been shown to erode away at your pipes over time.

Medication

While some particularly dangerous medications should be flushed to prevent accidental ingestion in the short term, the FDA recommends other, practical ways of dealing with household medical waste. First, take note of when National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day events are happening in Red Oak, or locate an authorized DEA-authorized drug collector near you. If you have dispose of old pills or other medications quickly and safely, the FDA advises mixing old medications with unpalatable substances, like kitty litter, dirt, or old coffee grounds, or else disposing of meds in a sealed plastic bag or container free of personal identifiers. 

Question about the disposal of another substance?  We encourage you take a look at the City of Red Oak page for more information. Also feel free to send us an email or give us a call, day or night, and we'll be happy to help. Taking care of your plumbing is our passion!