What do paint cans that are half full, leaking containers of household cleaners and used crank case oil all have in common? These are the kinds of chemicals that are found in most homes that are toxic and require proper disposal.

Proper disposal does not mean simply throwing them in your garbage can. Nor does it mean hiding them in white plastic bags so that the trash collector cannot locate them. Safe disposal means disposal in accordance with the local laws and ordinances that both protect your family and the environment. It is imperative that these wastes be disposed of properly.

Most people feel that they can sneak a can of old paint or household cleaner in with the garbage and that nothing will really come of it. But in the aggregate, the improper disposal of hazardous substances can cause contamination and harm to both landfill soils and underground drinking water supplies. If you care about the environment, then you need to do your share by avoiding improper disposal.

What are substances that you should be concerned about? They include paints, batteries, cleaners, pesticides, and antifreeze. Also, look for substances that are typically found in smaller quantities such as mercury thermometers, swimming pool chemicals, bleach, old drain cleaners and some medicines.

Pouring these materials into the drain is just as harmful as mixing them with the trash. These chemicals migrate into streams, rivers and lakes and threaten aquatic life and ultimately water supplies. Being sneaky by improper drain dumping or trash co-mingling is not the right answer and generally is also illegal.

And when certain chemicals are mixed they can really cause a problem. For example, when bleaches are mixed with some cleaners they can emit chlorine gas which is itself harmful. Other times, explosive conditions can result from mixing.

How about a small amount of leftover paint? Many agencies recommend that paint lids be removed until the paint forms a solid. Often local agencies will then allow you to include the resulting hardened mass with the household trash.

Some household cleaners can be thrown into the drain if they are water soluable. Read product labels for proper disposal directions. In any event, if you have a septic system the rules change. Typically considered safe chemicals can ruin the biological agents in septic systems and render the systems less effective.

Batteries need to be taken to a recycling facility for proper disposal. They contain acid and heavy metals that can cause a risk to those who encounter them and to the drinking water supply.

Motor oil should be taken to an oil changing facility. Usually, these facilities are equipped to accept waste oil and properly dispose of it. If improperly disposed, waste oil can result in substantial contamination of both the soil and the drinking water.

Call your local health or environmental department to learn what you are permitted to do with your hazardous leftovers. Every little bit helps.

The information provided in this column is written by Stuart Lieberman,a practicing environmental attorney, and is for general information purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be used in place of legal advice.

Stuart Lieberman, Esq., and IRED.Com, Inc., will not accept any responsibilty for any reliance on the information in this column or any damages whatsoever resulting from reading this column.