top of page

Proper Waste Disposal

When not stored, used, or disposed of properly, household hazardous waste pollutes our waters.  Household cleaners, paints, automotive fluids and more should be recycled at a household hazardous waste event or designated collection facility.  Check here for the schedule of area collection events and other resources to help you properly dispose of household materials!

Motor Oil

Most oil pollution is different than the pictures you see of oil covered beaches following a major spill or accident. In fact, poorly maintained vehicles are one of the biggest causes of oil pollution in our waterways. Leaking automotive fluid goes from car to street, street to storm drain, and from the drain to our rivers, lakes, and streams.

 

With over 250 million cars on the road, small spills add up to big problems.  Just one pint of motor oil can make an oil slick larger than a football field, and it’s estimated that Americans spill 180 million gallons of used oil each year. That’s 16 times the amount spilled during the Exxon Valdez disaster! By quickly fixing leaks, you can help protect both your vehicle and our water resources.

 

Many auto parts suppliers recycle used motor oil. Check these directories for local shops that will accept your used motor oil.

Ingham County

Clinton County 

Eaton County

Household Hazardous Waste

EVERY DROP HAS AN IMPACT

Per EGLE: Used oil in a liquid form CANNOT be disposed of by any of the following methods:

  • Dumped down drains or sewers or into surface or groundwater

  • Disposed of in landfills

  • Burned in municipal solid waste incinerators or other incinerators without energy recovery

  • Used as dust control or weed control

Medication Disposal

Disposal Events

asbestos Disposal

Help protect Michigan’s water supply and avoid medications falling into the wrong hands – do not flush or pour your expired or unused medications down the drain! Bring your expired, unused liquid, tablet or capsule controlled drugs to a disposal location. Check below for county specific programs.

Ingham County
Clinton County

Eaton County

medications-2598908_1280_edited.jpg

Capital Area Take Back Meds

Safe Disposal of Unwanted Medications

www.takebackmeds.org

Take Back Meds Directory

Asbestos is a dangerous mineral that was used widely in different industries from the 1930s to the early 1980s due to its resistance to heat, fire, and sound. People can develop deadly illnesses like mesothelioma if they breathe in or swallow asbestos fibers.  If you own a home or building built prior to 1970, there may be asbestos products present. Asbestos was used in cement, drywall, floors, heating equipment, insulation, paint, roofing shingles, siding, and tiles. 

You may unknowingly disturb asbestos as you replace siding, tiles, or flooring during a remodeling project. Asbestos fibers can become released into the environment during construction and contaminate waters. For more information on asbestos abatement or recycling, visit Mesothelioma Hope

asbestos-recycling.jpeg

safer choice

Safer Choice is an EPA Pollution Prevention Program that helps consumers, businesses, and purchasers find products that perform and contain ingredients that are safer for human health and the environment. EPA has done the homework, so you don't have to.

 

Look for EPA's Safer Choice label to find products like all purpose-cleaners, car care products, dish soaps, floor cleaners, laundry products, and tub and tile cleaners, that work well and are made with safer ingredients!

 

Click here for a directory of Safer Choice products.
 

bottom of page