Household Hazardous Waste Disposal

What Is Household Hazardous Waste?

Household hazardous waste (HHW) refers to leftover chemicals from products used inside the home that can pose a threat to human health or the environment if improperly managed. Unlike everyday trash, these materials require specialized handling to prevent contamination of our soil, water, and air. The four main characteristics that define a hazardous material are:

• Toxic — poisonous to people, animals, or ecosystems (pesticides, mercury)
• Flammable — ignites easily at low temperatures (paint thinner, gasoline)
• Corrosive — burns skin or eats through materials (drain cleaners, batteries)
• Reactive — unstable and potentially explosive when mixed (bleach + ammonia)

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average American household generates more than 100 pounds of HHW each year. Much of it ends up in regular trash or poured down the drain — both illegal and dangerous. EG Trash & Recycle Services provides residents with convenient, compliant alternatives.

Commonly Accepted HHW Materials

Paints and Finishes

Latex paint, oil-based paint, stains, varnishes, and wood preservatives are among the most common HHW materials accepted at our facility and events. Latex paint that has fully dried and hardened is generally safe for regular trash in small quantities; however, liquid latex and all oil-based products must be disposed of as HHW.

Automotive Fluids and Batteries

Motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, antifreeze, gasoline, and diesel fuel must all be managed as HHW. Automotive lead-acid batteries are also accepted. Never pour automotive fluids down storm drains — a single quart of motor oil can contaminate up to 250,000 gallons of drinking water.

Pesticides, Herbicides, and Pool Chemicals

Insecticides, fungicides, rodent poisons, weed killers, and pool shock chemicals are regulated materials. Do not dilute or mix pesticides prior to drop-off, and keep them in their original containers if at all possible.

Electronics and Batteries

Computers, monitors, televisions, cell phones, tablets, printers, and peripherals are classified as e-waste. Household batteries — including rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, nickel-metal hydride packs, and button cells — contain metals that must be recovered through certified recyclers. Standard alkaline AA and AAA batteries may be disposed of in regular trash in most states, but we encourage recycling them whenever possible.

Fluorescent Lamps and Bulbs

All fluorescent lamps — long tubes and compact fluorescents (CFLs) — contain mercury and must be recycled. Many hardware stores offer free CFL recycling. Our SWCC facility accepts fluorescent lamps in any quantity.

Items We Cannot Accept

While we accept a broad range of HHW materials, certain items fall outside the scope of our facility's permits:

• Radioactive materials of any kind
• Biological waste or infectious medical waste
• Controlled substances or prescription medications
• Compressed gas cylinders (propane, acetylene) larger than 1 pound
• Explosives, fireworks, or ammunition
• PCB-contaminated materials

For medications, see our FAQ below. For propane cylinders, contact your local fire department or a certified gas retailer. For explosives or ammunition, contact local law enforcement.

How to Prepare for Drop-Off

Following a few simple preparation steps makes the drop-off process faster and safer for everyone:

1. Keep materials in original containers whenever possible. If the original container is damaged, transfer to a clearly labeled alternative.
2. Do not mix chemicals. Bring each product separately, even if they seem similar.
3. Keep lids secure during transport. Place containers in boxes or bins to prevent tipping and spills.
4. Transport in the trunk or truck bed, not inside the passenger cabin, to minimize inhalation risk in case of minor leaks.
5. Know what you have. If you bring an unlabeled container, staff may be unable to accept it due to identification requirements.

Why Proper Disposal Matters

When hazardous materials enter the regular waste stream, the consequences are widespread. HHW tossed in the trash can injure sanitation workers, damage collection equipment, and ultimately contaminate landfills. Materials poured down drains overwhelm municipal water treatment systems not designed to handle toxic chemicals, eventually reaching rivers, lakes, and coastal waters.

Groundwater contamination from improper HHW disposal is one of the leading environmental challenges facing communities in Georgia and across the Southeast. Contaminated drinking water aquifers require years and millions of dollars to remediate. By bringing your HHW to a certified disposal facility, you are making a direct investment in the long-term health of your community.

EG Trash & Recycle Services is a certified HHW collection facility operating under permits issued by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD). All materials we collect are transferred to licensed hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities in strict accordance with state and federal regulations.