NPS Pollution - Reducing Sources - Household Chemicals

Household Chemicals

Many chemicals commonly used around the home are toxic. Select less toxic alternatives. Use non-toxic substitutes wherever possible.
Buy chemicals only in the amount you expect to use, and apply them only as directed. More is not better.
Take unwanted household chemicals to hazardous waste collection centers; do not pour them down the drain. Pouring chemicals down the drain may disrupt your septic system or else contaminate treatment plant sludge.
Never pour unwanted chemicals on the ground. Soil cannot purify most chemicals, and they may eventually contaminate runoff.
Use low-phosphate or phosphate-free detergents.
Use water-based products whenever possible.
Do not indiscriminately spray leftover household pesticides, either indoors or outdoors, where a pest problem has not been identified. Dispose of excess pesticides at hazardous waste collection centers.