Household hazardous waste, usually shortened to HHW, is a catch-all term for products around the home that can catch fire, react with other chemicals, corrode, or poison people, pets or the environment if they're thrown out carelessly. Most households have more of it than they think. The good news is that many counties and cities run programs to take it for free or at a low cost.
What counts as household hazardous waste?
Programs vary, but these are the usual categories.
Paint and related products
- Oil-based paint, stains, varnishes and lacquers
- Paint thinners, mineral spirits, turpentine and solvents
- Aerosol spray paint
- Latex paint (some programs take it; others ask you to dry it and trash it)
Automotive products
- Used motor oil and oil filters
- Antifreeze
- Brake fluid, transmission fluid and power steering fluid
- Gasoline and fuel mixtures
- Car batteries
Garden and pest control products
- Pesticides, herbicides and insecticides
- Fungicides and rodent poisons
- Some fertilizers, especially ones combined with weed killers
Household cleaners and chemicals
- Drain openers and oven cleaners
- Bleach and ammonia-based cleaners
- Pool and spa chemicals
- Some metal polishes and furniture strippers
Batteries and bulbs
- Rechargeable and lithium batteries
- Fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs), which contain small amounts of mercury
Other common items
- Mercury thermometers and thermostats
- Propane cylinders and other pressurized gas cylinders (often handled separately)
- Adhesives, glues and resins
- Hobby and photo chemicals
Things HHW programs often don't take
- Explosives, ammunition and fireworks (contact local police or fire departments)
- Medical sharps and medications (check pharmacy or take-back programs)
- Radioactive items and some smoke detectors (rules vary)
- Business waste, because many programs are for residents only
Always check what your local program accepts. Some take electronics, tires or appliances at the same events; others don't.
Why it can't go in the trash
Hazardous products can leak in garbage trucks, react with other chemicals, start fires in trucks and facilities, injure workers, and contaminate soil and water. Pouring chemicals down the drain can harm septic systems and water treatment plants. Proper disposal keeps these problems from happening, and in many cases lets materials like oil, paint and metals be recycled.
Where to take it
Permanent HHW facilities
Some counties and cities run year-round drop-off facilities, often at a transfer station or landfill, open on certain days of the week. Many are free for residents, sometimes with quantity limits.
HHW collection days
Many communities, especially smaller and rural ones, hold periodic collection events instead of a permanent facility. These might happen once or twice a year, or monthly in some places, often in spring and fall. Some require registration in advance. Your county solid waste office, recycling coordinator or public works department usually publishes the schedule.
Retail and specialty drop-offs
Some products have their own take-back networks:
- Paint: In states with paint stewardship programs, many paint stores and other sites take leftover paint. See the PaintCare locator.
- Batteries: Many retailers collect rechargeable batteries; see The Battery Network (formerly Call2Recycle) locator.
- Motor oil and filters: Many auto parts stores and service stations accept used oil.
- Fluorescent bulbs: Some home improvement stores accept CFLs.
- Propane cylinders: Exchange programs and some retailers handle refillable tanks.
On Dumpmapper, the Hazardous waste chip shows sites our data lists for HHW, motor oil or bulbs, and the Paint and Batteries chips show matching sites. County pages include a household hazardous waste section, and for Michigan we include county HHW contacts from the state environmental agency's list where they're available.
How to transport HHW safely
- Keep products in original containers with labels, so staff know what they're handling.
- Never mix chemicals. Combining products, such as bleach and ammonia, can create toxic gases.
- Seal lids tightly and pack containers upright in a sturdy box or plastic tub. Use newspaper to keep them from shifting.
- Put leaking containers inside a larger container and label it if you can.
- Carry them in the trunk or truck bed, away from passengers, and keep windows cracked if fumes are noticeable.
- Don't smoke while loading or transporting.
- Go straight to the drop-off. Don't leave chemicals in a hot vehicle.
- Tape the terminals of lithium and 9-volt batteries.
At many drop-off events, staff will unload your vehicle for you. You may be asked to stay in your car.
Cut down on HHW at home
- Buy only what you need for a project.
- Choose less hazardous products when they work for the job.
- Share leftovers with neighbors who can use them.
- Store products in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children, so they don't degrade and leak.
Quick recap
- Look for warning words on labels: "danger," "warning," "caution," "flammable," "corrosive" or "poison."
- Keep products in their original containers, and never mix them.
- Find your county's permanent HHW facility or next collection day.
- Use retail take-back programs for paint, batteries, oil and bulbs where available.
- Transport carefully and go straight to the drop-off.
Open the map with hazardous waste, paint and batteries turned on, or read the household hazardous waste guide.
Guides and tools
Household hazardous waste guide · Motor oil & filters guide · Propane & pool chemicals guide · Fluorescent bulbs guide · Dump cost calculator · All material guides