Scarier things than spiders may inhabit carports, garages and outdoor sheds, and it's always wise to detoxify those spaces.

Cleaning up or clearing out those cans, bottles and bags of leftover paint, ant killer, weed killer, fertilizer or cleaning solvent shouldn't be undertaken lightly. Some of these items are easy to store or get rid of; others need special attention and have specific disposal requirements.

The first thing to remember when buying any type of paint, weed killer, wasp spray or cleaner is to not buy more than you need, says Susan Donaldson of the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.

If you don't use all that you buy, the best way to dispose of it is to give it to someone else who has a legitimate legal use for it, passing it on in its original container with all its warning labels and disposal information, she says.

Leftover paints might go to a graffiti abatement program or to a nonprofit agency, if the paint is usable.

"If it's a small amount, let it dry out," Donaldson says. "Do not put liquid in the trash."

Liquid oil-base paints must be specially disposed of, she says.

Fertilizers should be used up.

"Why do you have fertilizer left over?" she says. "Put it on the lawn. But you do not want to use more than necessary because it runs off and gets in storm drains."

Keep toxic substances out of the trash because some things can react to other materials or even catch fire, ultimately damaging the environment if not properly handled, says Paul Donald, the hazardous materials specialist for Washoe County (Nev.) District Health Department.

"Liquids can contaminate other materials or ground water," he says.

Garden and home pesticides such as bug sprays and powders, weed killers and the like can go to a commercial toxic waste disposal firm. They require special handling.

If you have to store a pesticide, keep it in its original container with the label attached. Don't pour it down a drain. And when you're handling these substances, wear protective gloves, dust masks and eye protection.

Fire danger can also be an issue to consider.

"You really have to look at the product. What is it? What does it contain?" says Capt. Bonnie Terry, a fire prevention expert at the Reno (Nev.) Fire Department. "You need to know what it is, what it is not compatible with, how to store it properly."

Substances with linseed oil, such as deck stain, must be properly disposed of according to the directions on the containers, but any rags or applicators used to spread the stain or for cleanup can be fire hazards.

If you use a rag, let it dry out. Don't wad it up and throw it in the trash or anywhere else, because it can spontaneously combust.

Regularly cleaning up storage areas is wise, Terry says. Better yet, after using paints, pesticides or other chemicals, evaluate what's left.

"Are you going to use it again or is it just going to get in the way?" she says.

If you'll need it again, store it properly. If not, give it to someone who'll use it or dispose of it.