Purge your toxic-waste “purgatory” of things you never use—but don’t just send stuff to the dump. Here’s a plan for making your garage a haven for your car—and for you.

1 DONATE OR SWAP SAFE, USEFUL ITEMS.
Neighbors, friends or nonprofit groups may treasure lawn mowers, old bikes, tools—even vehicles—you never use.

2 RECYCLE RESPONSIBLY.
In many states, automotive stores are required to accept and recycle as much used product as they’ve sold. (You may have to show a receipt.) Wal-Mart provides free disposal sites in many communities. Auto repair shops, tire stores, recycling centers and public-waste departments may recycle motor oil, automotive fluids, oil filters, car batteries and used tires.

3 CALL A HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE SITE.
Many municipal waste programs have operations for handling substances that you should never dump into storm drains or on the ground. For recycling and household hazardous waste disposal help, check www.Earth911.org or call its hotline: (800) 253-2687. Be careful of how you dispose of these toxic items:
• fertilizers, weed-control products, pesticides
• paint, adhesives, finishes, solvents (wet or dry)
• empty containers that carry traces of toxins
• degreasers, car wax, other auto fluids