4 Ways to Properly Dispose of Rat Poison

Rat poison comes in handy if you need to eliminate rats from your home. Once they invade your property, rats can be a huge nuisance. They scamper around in search of food and in the process even eat your furniture and other items. Should they get into your pantry, your food supplies are no longer safe.

Rats carry bacteria into your house which creates health risks for you and your family. Once you realize you have rats in your home, quick action is necessary to check their presence. Various poisons are available on the market to help you effectively deal with the vermin. It is important, however, that you know how to dispose of rat poison after use. If not properly disposed of, the toxic chemicals in the poison could endanger your health. The poison can also become an environmental hazard. Some options are given below.

1. Trash Disposal

Inquire from your local trash company about how to dispose of the poison. They will give you information on collection times or guide you as to how the poison can be disposed of safely. It is vital that you separate the poison from other household trash. This helps to contain the hazardous effects of the poison once it is collected by the garbage company. Obtain a container and place the poison inside. Seal it with a cap that fits tightly to ensure the poison remains within. Place the container in a plastic bag to prevent any leakage during disposal.

2. Give to Neighbors

Quite likely, you’re not the only one with a rat menace. Talk to your immediate neighbors and find out if they also have rats. You could give the poison to your neighbors, if they’re interested, to help them deal with the rats. This way, you all benefit from rat eradication. It also helps you to remove the poison from your home.

3. Recycle

Inquire from your local waste company about recycling availability. They will advise you on how to package the unused poison before it can be recycled. They’ll also let you know if they’re able to pick it from your home or give you information on where you need to take the poison to be recycled.

4. Incineration

Some States allow incineration of hazardous materials. These may include rat poison. Call your local waste company to inquire about incineration. If local regulations permit, they will give you guidelines on how to incinerate the poison.

Safety Tips

Be sure to store the poison in a secure place before you dispose of it. Keep it away from places that are easy to reach for children and pets.

Do not dispose of the poison through the sink drain. The chemicals will end up in the ground and become an environmental hazard.

Wear disposable gloves and wash your hands well after you handle rat poison. It is also a good idea to change your clothes. This helps to clear any traces of poison that you may have picked up during handling.