How to Safely Dispose of Fertilizers
Although the chemicals in fertilizers help your lawn grow green and flowers bloom profusely, they are considered a hazardous waste. Fertilizers contain high quantities of chemicals including nitrogen and phosphorous and sometimes pesticides or herbicides as well. If you can't use them up for some reason and have no one to give them to, proper disposal is the only remaining option. It isn't as simple as just mixing it in with your other trash.
Call your waste management or garbage removal company. Inquire about hazardous waste drop-off locations or pick-up services. If none are available, call your county or local university extension office to inquire if any known hazardous waste disposal programs are in your area.
- Although the chemicals in fertilizers help your lawn grow green and flowers bloom profusely, they are considered a hazardous waste.
Dispose of fertilizer in the trash if no hazardous waste services are available. Place granular fertilizer in a heavy-duty trash bag, then double bag it in a second trash bag and tie closed.
Leave liquid fertilizer in its container with the lid on. Wrap it in four or more layers of newspaper, so it is absorbed in the case of a spill. Place the wrapped container inside a sturdy trash bag and tie closed.
Place the bagged fertilizer inside your trash can with your regular trash on the day of trash pick-up. If taking your trash to a dump, notify the staff there is fertilizer in your trash.
- Dispose of fertilizer in the trash if no hazardous waste services are available.
- Place granular fertilizer in a heavy-duty trash bag, then double bag it in a second trash bag and tie closed.
Tip
Using up fertilizer is always the best disposal method. Dilute liquid fertilizer with 1 part water for use on houseplants if you have no outdoor area to use it. Some granular fertilizers can also be used on houseplants. Read label directions for application amounts.
The National Environmental hotline, (800)253-2687, can direct you to the nearest hazardous waste collection site in your area.
Warning
Only dispose of small household quantities of fertilizer in your regular trash.
Never pour fertilizer into a sink or down a storm drain. Sewage treatment facilities cannot treat toxic chemicals.
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References
Tips
- Using up fertilizer is always the best disposal method. Dilute liquid fertilizer with 1 part water for use on houseplants if you have no outdoor area to use it. Some granular fertilizers can also be used on houseplants. Read label directions for application amounts.
- The National Environmental hotline, (800)253-2687, can direct you to the nearest hazardous waste collection site in your area.
Warnings
- Only dispose of small household quantities of fertilizer in your regular trash.
- Never pour fertilizer into a sink or down a storm drain. Sewage treatment facilities cannot treat toxic chemicals.
Writer Bio
Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening.
