How You Can Help

By changing your buying and disposal practices for commonly used products, you will be helping the environment.  This is easy to do and does not require a lot of time.


Household Hazardous Wastes 
 
Household hazardous wastes are any home chemical that if disposed of improperly, could potentially harm the environment.  Likewise, many of these chemicals are extremely combustible and can produce gases that are dangerous to our health.  The City of Garland is a member of the Dallas County Household Hazardous Waste network.  Citizens of Garland have access to the hazardous waste collection facilities free of any direct charge.  They must present proof of residency in the form of a driver’s license or ID and a utility bill.  The nearest collection facility to Garland is located at 11234 Plano Road (south of Forest).  The operating schedule is as follows:
 

Day	Operating Hours
Tuesdays	9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Wednesdays and Thursdays	8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Second & Fourth Saturdays of each month (unless there is a scheduled event)	9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 
The following products should be taken to a collection center: acids, aerosol cans, anti-freeze, brake fluid, degreasers, drain cleaners, fertilizers, car and truck batteries, flea collars, herbicides, household batteries, household cleaners, household chemicals, lighter fluid, motor oil, oil filters, pool chemicals, paint, paint thinner, pesticides, solvents, varnish and pharmaceutical products. This center does NOT accept tires.
For more information, please call 214-553-1765. 
 
These products, if not disposed of properly, can harm the environment.  Do not dispose of them into sinks, onto the ground, into storm drains or the regular trash.
 
 
Household and Home Maintenance 
 
Avoid buying products that contain metals or other toxic compounds by selecting safe, convenient alternatives labeled “non-toxic.”  Call the Storm Water Hotline at 972-205-2180 for more information.

Purchase the right amount of products to avoid having “leftovers.”

Give “leftovers” to a neighbor or group that can use them.

Always store products in their original containers in order to have the instructions about their use available.

Follow product instructions carefully and never mix products.

Recycle as many products as you can.  Contact the Environmental Waste Services Department (972-205-3500) for a complete list of recyclable items or to request a recycling container.

Buy recycled products.

Use kitty litter or other absorbent material to clean spills from paved surfaces. 
 
 
Responsible Lawn Care

Use a rake or broom rather than a hose or blower to clean up grass clippings.  Put clippings in a compost pile or garbage can.  For a composting class schedule, call 972-205-3500.  

Direct rain spouts onto grass, flowerbeds or shrubbery.

Pick up animal waste and flush it down the toilet or dispose of it in a plastic bag in the garbage.

Use caution with pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers.  Do not apply if rain is forecast.

Landscape with native plants to promote less watering and insect reduction.  For your free copy of the Texas SmartScape CD, call 972-205-2180.  

 
Responsible Automotive Care 
 
Have your car inspected and maintained regularly to reduce leakage of oil, anti-freeze and other fluids.
 
Reduce auto emissions through auto maintenance, ride sharing and public transportation.
 
When washing your car, use non-phosphorus soap and wash the vehicle on your lawn so that the grass becomes a filter, or take your car to a commercial facility where the dirty wash water goes to the sanitary sewer system.
The wastewater system (sanitary sewer) collects wastewater from homes, businesses and industries and delivers it to treatment plants.  Some of the treated water is treated and discharged into a nearby water supply.  The storm drain system collects street runoff and delivers it directly to the nearest water body, untreated.

When products containing heavy metals and pollutants (such as motor oil, paints, pesticides) are flushed down toilets or poured into the sink, only part of these substances can be removed by wastewater treatment facilities.  The facility may also be damaged.  When these same products are discharged into the storm drains, no removal is possible.  Heavy metals and other pollutants harm fish, birds, and other wildlife.