1. Do Not Dump Excess Poison Down the Drain
Poisons dumped into sewers or storm drains may end up in a nearby water supply, causing environmental damage. They may also be re-filtered back into people's drinking water and cause health problems for some unsuspecting neighbor. For this reason, it is important to buy only as much rat poison as you think you need and never just dump any excess amounts out.
2. Don't Toss Rat Poison in the Trash
Exposed rat poison may cause sickness in neighborhood pets and have similar harmful effects on the environment. Burying rat poison is equally bad; dogs may dig it up or bad weather may expose it.
3. Never Burn Rat Poison
Burning it can release toxic carcinogens into the air and trap them in your home or garage if you aren't careful. Similarly, don't burn the rat poison containers, which may contain not only residual chemicals, but also toxins of their own in the container itself.
4. Seal the Container Thoroughly
Replace the cap as tightly as you can to ensure that no residual rat poison leaks out in an unexpected location. Wrap the container in newspapers and tie them together tightly so that they don't become unwrapped or blow off. This keeps the rat poison contained and prevents any from getting on your hands. It also keeps other animals such as household pets from ingesting it. The container will likely have additional instructions on proper disposal, which you should follow to the letter.
5. Contact Your Local Waste Disposal Service
Most municipal garbage services have special methods for disposing of hazardous chemicals such as rat poison. They can do so properly and hygienically without posing a threat to neighbors or family members. You may be asked to bring the poison to a treatment plant or take it to a specific collection center on a given day. Find out when they will accept rat poison and follow any instructions regarding storing and containing it that they provide. Specifics will vary based on local laws.
