The best way to deal with household hazardous wastes is not to have any! Before you buy a product make sure it will do the job you intend it to do. When possible, buy only the amount you need so there are no "leftovers" to store or to dispose of.

Read the label before you purchase a product. Many times two products will do the same job, but one requires special disposal and the other does not. For example, latex paint versus solvent-based paint. Latex paint is water-based and is not classified as hazardous, while solvent-based paints are considered a hazardous material. In addition, other hazardous materials, such as turpentine or mineral spirits, are required for clean up when using a solvent-based paint. Soap and water are all that are needed to clean up after using latex paint. The clear choice from an environmental perspective is latex paint. When possible, avoid purchasing products with POISON, DANGER, WARNING, FLAMMABLE, TOXIC, CORROSIVE or CAUTION on the label.

If you do need to purchase potentially hazardous products read and follow the label directions. If you have to store these items always leave them in their original container and never remove the label.

And, most importantly, keep all hazardous products stored in a location away from children, and out of their reach!

Okay, being a "careful consumer" makes sense. But what about hazardous materials you already have around your home and no longer have a use for? Here are some options:

Read the label. Many products offer consumer 1-800 numbers that can provide information on properly disposing of their product, or the label itself may provide instructions on proper disposal.

Share unused material. Give it away to friends, relatives or neighbors who can use it. Never share materials that are not in their original container or that have been tampered with in any way.

Take your hazardous materials to a household hazardous waste collection event. Republic Services of Southern Nevada provides household hazardous waste collections every few months.

To learn more about the household hazardous waste collection events go to Republic Services of Southern Nevada .

Household hazardous waste collection events are ONLY for residents of Clark County. Please be prepared to show proof of residency in the form of a picture I.D. and, either a utility bill or a rent receipt

No commercial hazardous materials will be accepted. Material should be tightly sealed in its original container, if possible, and placed in a cardboard box. Glass containers should be wrapped in towels, cloth or packaged in some other way to prevent breakage. Materials should be transported to the event in the trunk or bed of your vehicle.

• Did you know used oil can be re-refined into re-usable lubricating oil.
• Reprocessing one gallon of used motor oil and burning it as fuel generates enough electricity to power everything in your home for a day.
• In Clark County, homeowners can recycle used motor oil by placing it in an empty one gallon plastic container with a secure lid and place it next to your curb side recycling bins on pick-up days.
• LIMIT: Two 1 gallon containers per recycle pickup.
• Also, many auto supply stores and gas stations will accept used oil.
• Find Motor Oil Recycling Sites by Zip Code .

To learn more about curb side used oil recycling go to Republic Services of Southern Nevada .