Keith Homan / Shutterstock.com Auto Wax & Polish Household Hazardous Waste Keith Homan / Shutterstock.com Automotive wax and polish are classified as household hazardous waste (HHW) and should not be placed in the recycling or the trash or dumped down the drain. Some communities accept unused automotive wax and polish at HHW collection sites and events, and so do some automotive repair shops. Contact your local recycling coordinator to learn about HHW collection opportunities near you. Never Dump Down the Drain Auto wax and polish are flammable and can contaminate waterways. Never dump auto wax or polish in the trash or down the drain; dispose of them as Household Hazardous Waste. Did You Know? Eco-Friendly Car Care Products Some companies are developing car care products that are non-toxic and do not have to be rinsed off with water. One example is Nature’s Green Magic, which offers a variety of green, waterless car cleaning products.