Chemicals in the back seat of a car.  Hmmm.... Just to make this an educational photograph, we recommend that all chemicals (toxic waste or newly purchased pesticides) should not be transported in the passenger compartment of a vehicle.  All chemicals should be stored upright, in a leak proof container.  The best way to transport chemicals is in an open pickup truck.  Vans, minivans, and station wagons can be used if the windows are kept open for ventilation.  Click here for more information on transporting chemicals.

    OK, these chemicals were, indeed, stored in an open pickup truck.  But we need to carry them safely, so that they don't blow or bounce out while we travel.  A tarp should have been tied over this load, to make it safer to transport.

    This load is a little more stable.

    Pesticides that are no longer used should be disposed of safely.  If powders become wet and lumpy, or if liquid chemicals have frozen, they may not be usable.  They may not dissolve or mix properly, or they may have lost their ability to control pests.

    Some pesticides, like this bottle of chlordane, have not been legal to sell or use for many years.  It's better to dispose of products like this safely, rather than risk the environment or your health by using it.

    Car batteries, as well as household batteries, contain harmful acids and heavy metals. 

    Aerosol cans can explode or catch fire.  It's safer to have them collected and disposed of properly than to simply toss them in the trash.

    Paint was one of the most common items brought.

    Oil, antifreeze, and other waste automobile fluids were accepted.

    Some items were, well, unidentifiable.  They went into a separate container.

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