Most of us dread cleaning out that cluttered cupboard under the bathroom sink. When we finally muster up the courage, not much gets done because we still can't figure out how to dispose of that aerosol can that's been there since 2003, or the expired prescription drugs left over from wisdom tooth surgery. What gets recycled? What should be thrown out?

Well, look no further. Here is a short guide to help you dispose of all the flotsam and jetsam that's in that cupboard, as well as some useful tips to help you reduce your bathroom clutter.

Disposal
• MEDICATION
Do not throw medicine in the garbage as animals or children may get at it. Health Canada advises not flushing any medication down the toilet or pouring it down drains. Flushed medications can find their way into ecosystems and into our drinking water.

Inquire at pharmacies in your area as many take back expired or unused medication to ensure it is disposed of properly. If you are a patient of Shoppers Drug Mart or Pharma Prix (Quebec), you can bring back your unused medication. The pharmacies store the medication until a disposal company comes to pick it up, disposing it in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. The Rexall family of pharmacies, which includes Rexall, Pharma Plus, Guardian and I.D.A., offers the same service to its patients.

• COSMETICS
Think twice about throwing out old nail polish, nail polish remover, hairspray (and other sorts of aerosols) or leftover hair dye. Many brands of these products contain chemicals that are toxic, flammable and downright hazardous for the environment. Waste management services across the country consider these products toxic waste. Find the number of your local waste management service in the phone book or on the Internet and enquire about hazardous waste days. Most municipalities offer days when the public can bring their toxic waste to transfer stations where it will be disposed of properly.

If the cans and containers are totally empty (ensure they are empty to avoid danger of explosion), dispose of the lids in the garbage and toss the can or container into your recycling bin.

Overall, you should try to avoid buying hazardous products. Most are now available as natural products or in spray and pump form.

• SYRINGES/NEEDLES
These are not to be disposed of in your recycling or garbage cans. Make sure to put all used syringes and needles into a tightly sealed container and label it. Take them to a hazardous waste depot for proper disposal.

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