Green Living - Household Hazardous Waste

 
Household Hazardous Waste is tricky. Learn about the items to be treated as Household Hazardous Waste and how to dispose of them here.
 
When you're done here, click back to return to the main Green Living page.
 
Paint and Paint-related Materials
  • Oil based paint
  • Solvent-based paints and stains
  • Paint thinner
  • Varnish, paint stripper and paintbrush cleaners
Note: Latex paint is not hazardous. It can be safely disposed by absorbing unused paint in the can with crumpled paper, kitty litter or similar absorbent material and put in the trash. Or you can pour paint into a bag with an absorbent material and put the bag in the trash Dry out the can and recycle.
 
Kitchen and Bathroom Products
  • Cleaning solvent
  • Bathroom tile
  • Toilet drain and oven cleaners
Lawn and Garden Products
  • Pesticides (fungicides, herbicides, insecticides)
  • Chemical fertilizers
Automotive Products
  • Used motor oil
  • Auto body repair products
  • Antifreeze
  • Lead-acid batteries
  • Degreasers
Other Materials
  • Mercury
  • Asbestos
  • Artists' oil-based paints
  • Photographic chemicals
  • Lead products including solder, fishing weights, and similar items
  • Mothballs
  • Fire extinguishers
Flammable Materials
  • Kerosene
  • Gasoline
Explosives & Ordnance
Do not transport explosives or ordnance to the City's hazardous waste sites. Contact the Police District to arrange for disposal.
 
Proper Disposal 
Take household hazardous waste to City drop off sites during one of their publicized events. If you plan to go, please consider coordinating your efforts for drop-offs with friends and neighbors!
 
Transporting
  • Never mix hazardous materials together; this could result in dangerous chemical reactions
  • Keep all products in their original containers; DO NOT remove labels
  • Tightly seal all lids and caps
  • Place any container that cannot be tightly closed in a sealed plastic bag
  • For added protection, wrap all breakable containers in newspaper
  • Place all materials in a sturdy box to keep from them shifting during transport
  • Place the box containing waste securely in your vehicle trunk to drive to the drop-off center