Halt the Hazards! Credit Buy least-toxic household chemicals or make your own (recommendations can be found at www.cityofaustin.org/sws/hhwcleaners.htm). 2 Store hazardous materials in their original containers in cool, secure, dry areas out of reach of children and pets. 1 Replace disposable batteries with rechargeable ones and recycle old batteries. 2 Buy only the amount of chemicals that you need or share leftovers with neighbors. 1 Take your excess household hazardous waste to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 2514 Business Center Drive in south Austin (Call 974-4343 for info). 2 Rinse empty cleaners and pesticide containers and use the rinse water the same way you would the product. Empty containers can be recycled. 1 If you smoke, dispose of your cigarette butts in ashtrays 1
	Paint the Town Green! Credit Never rinse painting equipment where the rinse water can run into the storm drain or waterway. 1 For Latex Paint Pour leftover paint into an absorbent material such as shredded newspaper or kitty litter. Allow paint to dry completely. Dispose of dry paint in the trash. 2 Wash paint brushes and other equipment in your household sink so that the wastewater goes to the sanitary sewer for treatment (not for septic tank owners). 1 For Oil-Based Paint Use paint thinners, turpentine and mineral spirits to wash equipment, then reuse them to prevent unnecessary disposal. 1 Take excess paint to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility. 1 Never pour unwanted paint or chemicals on the ground where they may contaminate runoff or groundwater. Empty containers should be thrown in the trash. 1

Copies of the Green Neighbor booklet are available at all Austin libraries.
For additional information, call 974-2550.