Published

10 months ago

September 25, 2025

Alice Rush

Last Updated on September 25, 2025

Household hazardous waste is more common than you think – paint, batteries, meds, and cleaners all need special disposal. Peek inside the cabinets, garage, or bathroom and you’ll find everyday products we assume are harmless, but many are hazardous items that can’t go in regular trash or down the drain.

Household Hazardous Waste: What Not to Trash & How to Dispose of it Properly

When handled the wrong way, these products can harm human health, contaminate water and soil, and degrade air quality. This guide explains which household items are considered hazardous, why they’re risky, and exactly how to dispose of them safely (and where to take them).

what counts as household hazardous waste?

When I think about hazardous waste I usually picture large metal barrels with glowing green goo oozing out of them straight from Scooby Doo, but the truth is it’s a lot more boring than that. In fact there’s a lot of common household items lurking in our cabinets that might surprise you!

Paints (including even water‑based/latex)
Motor oil, automotive fluids (antifreeze, brake fluid)
Batteries (single use, rechargeable, lithium‑ion)
Drain cleaners, oven cleaners, ammonia, bleach
Glues, adhesives, solvents, strippers
Old or expired medications, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides
Aerosol cans, nail polish remover, certain cleaners

why these items pose real risk:

So what happens if we don’t dispose of these things in the right way? Many of these products can contain chemicals that are flammable, corrosive, toxic, or reactive, meaning they pose risks if stored incorrectly, mixed, or disposed of in ways that allow them to escape into the environment.

Water contamination: If chemicals leach through landfills or make their way into storm drains or septic systems, they can infiltrate groundwater or nearby streams and rivers.
Soil contamination: Toxic compounds degrade soil health, harming plants, earthworms, and the microbial life that maintains ecosystem balance.
Air pollution: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in solvents, aerosol propellants, or paints can evaporate into the air, contributing to indoor air quality issues and outdoor smog or ozone problems.
Health impacts: Direct exposure (skin contact, inhalation) can cause burns, poisoning, respiratory problems, or longer‑term chronic health effects. Vulnerable populations (children, elderly, people with respiratory issues) are particularly at risk.

Because of those risks, many jurisdictions prohibit throwing these items in trash bins or pouring them down drains. So what do you do instead?

how to dispose of toxic household waste safely and item-by-item guide:

paint (latex & oil-based)

Even latex (water-based) paint contains compounds that can harm waterways and air if it’s rinsed down a drain or left to evaporate. Oil-based paint is always hazardous. Do not pour paint down sinks or toss wet cans.

Where it goes: a local paint take-back partner (call your paint store) or your community’s hazardous waste disposal site. Many Sherwin-Williams stores offer this service. Small amounts of latex may be air-dried and then landfilled only if local rules allow.
Recyclable? Often. Latex can be reblended; oil-based requires specialized handling.

motor oil & automotive fluids (antifreeze, brake fluid)

Used oil and automotive fluids are toxic and persistent; even small spills can contaminate large volumes of water.

Where it goes: auto shops, community disposal sites, or hauler-run drop-offs. Many services also accept antifreeze.
Recyclable? Yes for used motor oil (re-refined into new oil) and often for antifreeze. Brake fluid typically needs special treatment.

batteries (alkaline, rechargeable, lithium-ion, button cells)

Batteries can leach heavy metals or spark fires (especially lithium-ion). While batteries are recyclable never EVER put batteries in your curbside recycling bin.

Where it goes: retail drop-off programs or local disposal sites like Staples and Best Buy. Never place lithium-ion or button cells in household trash. Some localities allow alkaline in the trash, but drop-off is safest.
Recyclable? Frequently from special programs. Metals and components are recoverable, especially from rechargeables and lithium-ion.

medications (rx & otc)

Flushed or trashed medications can enter waterways and pose poisoning risks at home.

Where it goes: pharmacy or law-enforcement take-back programs and events; many locations have secure drop boxes. Avoid flushing unless local or FDA guidance explicitly directs it.
Recyclable? No. Medications are handled via secure destruction.

corrosive cleaners (drain/oven cleaners, ammonia, bleach)

These products are highly corrosive and reactive; mixing them can release dangerous gases and cause burns.

Where it goes: keep sealed in original containers and take to your local hazardous waste disposal site. Do not mix leftover products.
Recyclable? Generally no. They are typically neutralized or otherwise treated.

solvents, paint thinners, adhesives, strippers

These products are flammable and high in VOCs, posing indoor air and fire risks.

Where it goes: bring sealed, original containers to a hazardous waste disposal site; store away from heat or ignition sources.
Recyclable? Sometimes. Many solvents can be distilled and reused; some thinners are recoverable.

pesticides, herbicides, insecticides

These chemicals are toxic to aquatic life, pollinators, pets, and people even at low doses.

Where it goes: follow the label and take to a certified community hazardous waste disposal site.
Recyclable? No. They are generally treated or neutralized under strict controls.

aerosol cans

This one is a bit tricky as it also depends on what’s inside the can.

Where it goes: If a can is completely empty and your local recycling program accepts it, it is often recyclable with metals. If it is not empty, or it contained hazardous products (for example, pesticide or oil-based paint), treat it as hazardous waste and take it to a disposal site. Never puncture aerosol cans yourself.
Recyclable? Often yes when fully empty and accepted by the local program; otherwise handle via hazardous collection.

fluorescent bulbs & tubes (including cfls)

These contain small amounts of mercury that must be captured.

Where it goes: retailer lamp-recycling programs, mail-back kits, or your local hazardous waste disposal site. Handle carefully to avoid breakage.
Recyclable? Yes. Mercury is captured and glass and metal are recovered.

RELATED: Can You Recycle Lightbulbs?

nail-polish remover (acetone) & specialty solvents

These are flammable solvents that off-gas and affect indoor air quality.

Where it goes: take sealed containers to a hazardous waste disposal site; do not allow products to evaporate as a “disposal” method.
Recyclable? Sometimes via solvent recovery; otherwise treated.

how to find drop-off sites and services near you

Start with your city or county’s household hazardous waste webpage for permanent facilities or event calendars.

Then check your hauler’s website (for example, wm.com) for nearby drop-off locations, any at-your-door collection availability, and recycle-by-mail options for specific items. For targeted streams such as paint, batteries, and lamps, call retailers to confirm participation before visiting.

toxic household items: quick disposal cheat sheet

keep it labeled: leave products in original containers; never mix chemicals.
never in the bin: oil-based paint, pesticides, non-empty aerosols, lithium-ion & button-cell batteries.
sometimes okay (check local rules): dried latex paint and empty aerosol cans may be accepted in curbside programs.
where it goes:
- medications – pharmacy or police take-back boxes (don’t flush unless directed).
- batteries – retailer drop-off or your local hazardous waste site.
- paint/solvents/auto fluids/corrosives – household hazardous waste collection sites or community events.
safe transport: seal tightly, keep upright, separate incompatibles, and carry in the trunk (not the cabin).

When in doubt, don’t throw it out – instead check your city or county website for household hazardous waste drop-offs or collection days, and call ahead to retailers for take-back programs. A few extra steps keep toxic chemicals out of our homes, waterways, and air and that protects everyone.

The post Household Hazardous Waste: What Not to Trash & How to Dispose of it Properly appeared first on Going Zero Waste.

Household Hazardous Waste: What Not to Trash & How to Dispose of it Properly

Green Living

Earth911 Inspiration: Be a Mountain or Lean on One

Published

3 days ago

July 10, 2026

Alice Rush

This week’s quote is a Somali proverb: “Be a mountain or lean on one.”

Earth911 inspirations. Post them, share your desire to help people think of the planet first, every day. Click to get a larger image.

The post Earth911 Inspiration: Be a Mountain or Lean on One appeared first on Earth911.

https://earth911.com/inspire/earth911-inspiration-be-a-mountain/

Green Living

8 Best Ethical & Sustainable Flats That Are Effortlessly Chic

Published

7 days ago

July 6, 2026

Alice Rush

Ballet flats have long been a staple in my wardrobe, but in the past few years have experienced a significant resurgence — and for good reason. The right pair can be practical, versatile, and oh so chic through days at work, with family, or out for the evening. But finding that “just right” set that’s well-crafted and sustainably made can be a whole other story. That’s why this sustainable flats guide exists.

Comfort, style, sustainability, and longevity are a lot to ask in a shoe, but I don’t believe it’s too much. It just takes some extra digging. And thankfully, I’ve done that digging for you. Because I get it! I want a flat that looks beautiful. I want a flat that’s made responsibly in line with my values. I want a shoe I can actually wear for my life. And I want that shoe to be worth the investment — it has to last. That’s why I vetted through dozens of brands to create this curated list of flats.

What Makes a Flat More Sustainable?

Material Sourcing

Footwear is a tricky category when it comes to sustainable fashion because we ask a lot of our shoes. We wear them in rain or sunshine, paved paths and cobblestone, day in and day out for years. And through it all, they have to remain beautiful. Because when they’re unwearable, there’s not much left to do with them: there is no viable footwear recycling today. Anywhere that calls it “shoe recycling” is really repurposing that footwear. But once it can no longer be worn, it’s simply trash.

In other words, our shoes need to be incredibly durable, even though the most durable materials don’t always come with the lightest footprint. In footwear, when we talk about durability, we usually rely on leather or high-performance synthetic materials. Leather can hold up with many years of wear, getting more beautiful with wear, and is easy to repair when needed. Synthetic materials are also durable, particularly for withstanding the elements like snow and rain.

But sourcing these materials conventionally is highly polluting — so how can we source these materials better?

For synthetics, we have recycled options. Today, that’s largely recycling from plastic bottles, which isn’t without it’s controversies, but there is much innovation happening in the industry around true textile-to-textile recycling.

For leather, I look for:

Vegetable-tanned (rather than chromium tanned)
Locally-sourced leather (more traceability), and/or
Leather Working Group certified leather, which covers responsible management of water, energy, and waste; safe chemical management, traceability of the raw material, and occupational safety for workers.

Notably, there is no certification for animal welfare, so these are imperfect systems. But the alternative is footwear made from synthetic plastic materials or vegan leather alternatives that don’t yet meet the same durability standards as leather. Sustainability within today’s constraints requires trade-offs.

That said, there is always secondhand leather — by buying shoes secondhand you can access the quality of leather without adding further demand for the material.

Responsible Manufacturing

When considering responsible production practices, I look for first and foremost: transparency. Seeing what the brand shares about their material sourcing, their process, and who made their shoes where. And then I look at the details of that process: were the shoes made locally or within a geographic region? How are the workers paid and treated — and under which conditions do they work?

And, sometimes a brand employs an out-of-the-box approach to manufacturing entirely. There are a few slow fashion footwear brands challenging the traditional fashion system of ordering in mass quantities before demand is assessed —which inevitably leads to overproduction. These brands use an “on demand” model instead, producing their shoes only after they’ve been ordered. This reduces the risk of overproduction (i.e. producing more than what gets sold) while also encouraging more thoughtful consumption. You can’t impulse buy a pair of Mary Janes that you have to wait 8 weeks for.

Wearable and Beautiful

The most perfectly environmentally sustainable flat in the world is useless if no one wants to wear it. And as I mentioned earlier, footwear cannot be recycled into new footwear at the end of its life, so we want our shoes to last a really long time. That means they need to be design forward and comfortable, too.

My Top Picks for More Sustainable and Ethical Flats

Keeping all of that in mind, these more sustainable flats brands meet this criteria, albeit to various extents. Some err more on comfort while some more on style. Some have admirable levels of transparency and social impact, while other brands have more of a focus on their ecological impact. I’ve included descriptions alongside each brand as well as a summary of conscious qualities so you can find a brand that meets your priorities best. And, of course, a price range so you know what makes sense for your budget as well.

Some that this guide includes affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you shop through these links. As always, brands featured in shopping guides are brands that meet our strict sustainability criteria that we think you’ll love.

1. ALOHAS

Spanish brand ALOHAS flips the typical fashion production system on its head with its on-demand model.

Instead of overproducing thousands of shoes to later discount them, ALOHAS does the exact opposite. Its newest styles are available for pre-order at a discount of 30%, so the footwear brand can more accurately forecast demand. Then the shoes — like their flats — are primarily made by local artisans in Spain and Portugal. The brand regularly shows the behind the scenes of their production on their social media.

Conscious Qualities: On-Demand Production, Locally Made

Size Range: EU 35-42 (US 5-11)
Price Range: $195-$225

Browse ALOHAS

2. Rothy’s

If you’re looking for flats for all-day wear at work or running errands, Rothy’s is my recommendation with their cushy insoles. The brand makes their more sustainable flats from recycled plastic bottles, as well as materials like hemp and merino wool, but they still look sleek enough for the office.

While I might not wear Rothy’s flats to a fashion event (I prefer smooth leather for more elevated occasions), they are more than stylish enough to wear to most of my real-life scenarios. My favorite part about Rothy’s, though, is that they are machine washable.

Materials: Recycled & Natural Materials, Owns One Factory (undisclosed percentage of production)

Size Range: US 5-13
Price Range: $99-$165

Browse Rothy’s

mustard yellow recycled flats with pointy toes

3. Vivaia

Vivaia has the most adorable sustainable Mary Janes made from recycled plastic bottles. The adjustable straps and arch support make Vivaia’s Mary Janes suitable for all-day comfort, even if your feet are typically prone to slipping out of flats.

This vegan footwear brand also makes square-toe and pointed-toe flats for a more elevated look. And of the several recycled plastic bottle footwear brands on the market today, Vivaia tends to have the most elevated designs in my opinion.

Conscious Qualities: Vegan, Recycled Materials

Size Range: US 5-11
Price: $97 – $116

Browse Vivaia

4. The RealReal

The RealReal is an authenticated luxury resale platform with contemporary, designer, and high-end luxury brands. Depending on your priorities you can find shoes in anywhere from pristine condition (but higher priced)) to “fair” or even “as is” for the largest discount from full price.

You don’t always have as many options aesthetically when shopping more sustainably, so I like to go to The RealReal when I’m looking for specific styles. I was recently looking for Mary Janes with feminine detailing and came across Larroude Flats on The RealReal, where I purchased a pair of neutral scalloped accent flats. (Pictured here!)

Conscious Qualities: Secondhand

Size Range: US 3.5-14
Price Range: $9+

Browse The RealReal

5. ESSĒN

ESSĒN elegant, minimalist footwear is artisan handcrafted from Leather Working Group-certified leather in solar-powered facilities in Italy, Portugal, and Spain. Each shoe also comes with a product passport where you can view the step-by-step journey that product took through the brand’s supply chain from raw material to manufacturing to packaging and distribution.

Beyond transparency and responsible manufacturing, ESSĒN’s slow fashion business model prevents overproduction by operating on a made to order basis. Meaning while sizes and styles are predefined, the shoes are only produced after they’ve been ordered.

Conscious Qualities: LWG Certified, Supply Chain Transparency, On Demand Production

Size Range: EU 35-44 (US 4-13)
Price Range: $295-$450

Browse ESSĒN

6. Allbirds

Another comfort-first footwear option besides Rothy’s is Allbirds. The brand creates lightweight, super smooth and breathable flats from tree fibers, aptly called “Tree Breezers”. The (washable) shoes are also soft enough to wear without socks.

The Allbirds Tree Breezers are far more comfortable than typical flats, though I find that the Rothy’s are slightly comfier.

Conscious Qualities: Natural materials (FSC-Certified eucalyptus, castor mean oil, sugarcane EVA)

Size Range: US 5-11
Price Range: $105-$125

Browse Allbirds

7. Darzah

Fair trade certified by Fair Trade Federation, Darzah’s ethical flats are entirely hand-embroidered and handcrafted in Palestine from locally sourced leather.

The tatreez flats from this nonprofit are embroidered by refugee and low-income women artisans in the West Bank with this traditional Palestinian techniques.

Conscious Qualities: Sustains Heritage Crafts, Fair Trade Certified

Size Range: EU 36-41 (US 6-10)
Price Range: $199 – $209

Browse Darzah

Tatreez fair trade flats in red and blue

8. Nisolo

If you’re seeking a quality pair of classic leather flats ideal for your capsule wardrobe, Nisolo is a strong pick. Nisolo’s flats are handcrafted by artisans using leather sourced from a Leather Working Group certified tannery.

I’ve been wearing my Nisolo shoes for many years and can attest to their quality and durability.

That said, the brand has recently turned over to new ownership and now has significantly less information about their sustainability and ethics in their supply chain. I will be keeping a close eye on this brand to see if it continues to uphold the values Nisolo has long held.

Conscious Qualities: LWG-Certified, Artisan Handcrafted

Size Range: US 5-11
Price: $138 – $198

Browse Nisolo

Tan square toe Mary Jane made from certified responsible leather

For More Slow Fashion Content:

You May Also Want to Check Out:

The Best Affordable Ethical Fashion Brands

Responsibly Made Vegan Shoe Brands

15 Brands with Ethical Boots to Rock this Fall (and Beyond)

The post 8 Best Ethical & Sustainable Flats That Are Effortlessly Chic appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.

https://www.consciouslifeandstyle.com/sustainable-ethical-flats/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sustainable-ethical-flats

Green Living

Earth911 Inspiration: What Provides Survives — Simon M. Lamb

Published

1 week ago

July 3, 2026

Alice Rush

Today’s quote is from writer, businessman, and conservationist Simon M. Lamb. In his book, Junglenomics: Nature’s Solutions to the World Environment Crisis, he suggests that nature provides solutions to help us reform our environmentally destructive economic practices.

Lamb writes, “As in nature, so in economics — what provides survives.”

Earth911 inspirations. Post them, share your desire to help people think of the planet first, every day. Click the poster to get a larger image.