Sheila_Fitzgerald / Shutterstock.com Nail Polish Remover Illegal in Garbage & Drains Hazardous Waste Sheila_Fitzgerald / Shutterstock.com Unused or leftover nail polish remover should be disposed of as household hazardous waste. Don’t Dump Down the Drain The EPA considers nail polish remover to be hazardous waste, and it needs to be disposed of as such. To keep waterways clean, never dump it down the drain. Keep Away From Heat Most nail polish removers contain acetone, which is highly flammable at room temperature, even when it evaporates into the air. Keep acetone away from heat, open flame and anything that may cause a static or electric spark. Ways to Reduce Remove Polish Without Acetone You can remove nail polish without using acetone, which is a harsh chemical. It may take a little extra time, but it can be safer for you and the environment. Check out this list of household products you can remove polish with instead. Ways to Reuse Use Up Leftover Polish Remover Nail polish remover can be used in many ways, from cleaning dirty keyboards to scuffed vinyl flooring to stained porcelain. Check out more ideas for repurposing nail polish remover. Did You Know? Why So Cold? Acetone, the chemical in traditional nail polish remover, feels cold on your skin because of the speed at which it evaporates. Evaporation draws heat out, leaving a cold feeling behind.