Reuse solvents and cleaners like paint thinner. Store the cleaner in a covered jar and when the paint has settled, strain and reuse it. Solidify the liquid waste. Use an absorbent material such as sawdust, kitty litter, paper towels or rags to soak up the liquid waste. Using gloves, sweep or place the materials into a plastic bag and then dispose of it with other household garbage.
Batteries are recyclable at most hardware stores in Illinois.
Lead acid batteries have been banned from Illinois landfills since September 1990. Never put automobile batteries in home garbage. Pesticides and herbicides should never be disposed of by flushing into a water system, poured on the ground or put into household refuse. Save for household hazardous waste collection day or give to someone else who can use them up. Copyright 1995 by the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois.