Like most of us, you probably have a collection of almost-used old chemical containers in your garage that you’re unlikely to ever use again. More than likely, you’ve kept these containers because you thought there was a slim chance that you’d use the remains again, or you simply didn’t know how to throw it out. Chemicals and pesticides like Roundup need to be disposed of properly in order to protect the environment. So, what’s the best way to get rid of them? We take a look at how to properly and safely dispose of Roundup and other hazardous chemicals.

Never Dump Hazardous Chemicals Down the Drain

While dumping hazardous chemicals down the drain may not present an immediate concern to you, it can endanger the environment as well as the lives of others. It’s important to remember that just because a substance is a liquid, does not mean it can go down the drain or be flushed down the toilet.

Christina Morales of Periscope Group tells us why dumping hazardous chemicals of any kind down the drain can create a variety of hazards:

“While it may be the simple solution, it can cause a variety of hazards. When water flows down your drain, it travels through your pipes to a water treatment plant. Hazardous materials can deteriorate piping and possibly put the health and safety of both workers and the general public at risk. For example, mixing common household cleaners like bleach and vinegar will create toxic fumes. The same dangerous reactions can happen when you dump a cocktail of hazardous liquids into the pipes.”

Safely Disposing of Pesticides Yourself

In order to safely dispose of pesticides yourself, it’s important to examine individual labels and do your research before throwing them out. When disposing of pesticides yourself, it’s also important to make sure that you are not at risk of contaminating your water system, and that you are taking precautions to ensure that these hazardous chemicals do not touch your skin.

The National Pesticide Information Center gives their tips on disposing of pesticides in a safe manner by following instructions:

Schedule a Pickup

If you are still unsure of how to dispose of Roundup or any other hazardous chemicals, you should contact your local waste company directly and enquire as to the best way to go about it. It’s possible that they may offer a pickup service for hazardous materials, in order to ensure that they are disposed of correctly.

Laura Meulier of Moving.com suggests scheduling a home pickup as a way of disposing of hazardous materials before you move:

“Contact your local waste management company and ask them if they offer home pick ups for hazardous materials. Many do, though you may incur a fee. If this service is available, make sure to get clear directions on how to sort and store items for pick up. You likely will not be able to just toss these containers in an empty garbage can. Also ask for a breakdown of which materials are allowed and which aren’t so you’re not accidentally leaving out something that cannot be picked up.”

We offer a wide variety of waste disposal options, including disposal of Roundup and other hazardous chemicals, with services readily available online. Reach out to us to see what we can offer you.