When we think of fall, we think of cooler weather, the leaves falling, the beauty of nature, pumpkins, hot drinks, making memories, and snuggling up with warm blankets. However, as we fall even further into fall, it is also a good time to ensure you are prepared for shorter days, chilly nights, and hosting holiday events, too. Here’s a quick and easy checklist for you to ride out your coziest – and safest - fall yet, inside and outside your home.
Fall haz waste tips for the road
If you’re out driving around, it’s better to be prepared than end up stranded on the road – or exposed to hazardous materials in your own car!
- Ensure you have you plenty of emergency automotive fluids in your car, such as antifreeze, oil, and gasoline. Also know how to dispose of these fluids once they are used up.
- Check your tire pressure and tire tread to ensure safety on the road. As our partners involved with the regional Puget Sound Starts Here collaboration like to say, “Don’t Wait to Inflate!”
- Check your car lights to ensure they are bright and functioning for night driving.
- Ensure your car battery is fully functioning.
- Keep extra batteries in your car for flashlights and other electronics.
- Store extra blankets and an extra set of clothes/shoes in your car for emergencies.
- Make sure you have a flat tire repair kit, jack, and a functional spare tire. Keep a record of contact information for an emergency roadside assistance service.
- Keep extra cash on hand if you need to pay for something on the spot.
Fall haz waste tips in your home
Create the comfiest, most pleasant fall home environment in a few simple ways.
- Replace old light bulbs and fluorescent light tubes with less toxic and more efficient choices, such as LED bulbs.
- Replace old extension cords and electric blanket to prevent fire hazards.
- Sweep your drawers, cabinets, and closets for potentially hazardous materials.
- Have lamp oil or extra candles on hand in case of a power outage.
- Lastly, keep hazardous waste items out of reach from children and furry pet friends.
Fall haz waste tips for holiday hosting
Cleaning and prepping your home for the holidays? The most delicious meals and most welcoming get-togethers start and end with an environment free of hazardous materials.
- When cleaning before and after your event, aim to use EPA Safer Choice-certified cleaning products, which use ingredients that won’t put you or your loved ones' health at risk.
- While you clean and prep your home for your family and friends to visit, be sure to identify hazardous materials you have that may need special disposal or storage. Make sure they are labeled clearly and sealed – then make a plan to dispose of them at a hazardous waste collection facility. Common hazardous home products include:
- Aerosols
- Antibacterial products
- Drain cleaners
- Fertilizers
- Fluorescent light bulbs
- Furniture polishes
- Used batteries
- Expired cleaning products
- Post-hosting, know what to do with any used cleaning products or trash, whether it’s hazardous or solid waste. Our hazardous waste product library is one place to start for simple guidance. King County Solid Waste Division’s “What Do I Do With…?” look-up tool is also useful for identifying solid waste and its disposal options.
- When cleaning up post-gathering, keep all cooking fats, oils, and greases stored in a disposable container and throw them away once they have solidified. Do not pour them down the drain.
By taking these simple yet necessary precautions, you could save time, money, and bring peace of mind knowing you are ready as we settle into the late fall.
Have a question not covered in this checklist? You may also get in touch with the Haz Waste Program at haz.waste@kingcounty.gov or give our Haz Waste Help Line a call at 206-296-4692. Our Help Line is open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., excluding major holidays.