Together the small amounts of household hazardous waste that homeowners pour down the drain can harm the treatment plant and the Rio Grande. Wastes like acetone, which are highly flammable, are dangerous to pour down the drain. Less obvious are wastes like paints that may contain solvents or metals like mercury, chromium and lead. Organic solvents are found in enamel and primer paints, stains and varnishes. When painting try to use latex or water based paints.
Pesticides are a household waste that is highly toxic.
Used motor oil and antifreeze contain heavy metals such as lead. Hobbyists use a variety of chemicals that can cause problems for the treatment plant. Amateur photographers should be aware that photographic fixer usually contains high amounts of silver. Amateur photographers should contain their fixer and dispose of it at the City's Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center instead of pouring it down the drain. Homeowners may be wondering how they can reduce household hazardous wastes.