Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste is defined as “household products containing toxic chemicals.” These products usually have labels saying “Warning” or “Caution” and may also be identified as poisonous, toxic, flammable, corrosive, reactive, or explosive.

Montgomery County offers several Household Hazardous Waste collection events each year. Each event is at a different location, but county residents may bring materials to any of the locations.  See Upcoming Household Hazardous Waste events for more information, or call the recycling line at 610-278-3618.

Montgomery County’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection events will accept the following materials:

• Automotive products including car batteries, motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, antifreeze, kerosene, and gasoline.
• Pesticides and herbicides.
• Household products including caustic cleaners and solvents, i.e. drain and oven cleaners, spot remover, dry cleaning fluid, and rug cleaners.
• Paint products including paint thinner or turpentine, paint remover, oil based paint, furniture stripper, stains, varnish, and refinisher. Latex or water-based paint is not hazardous and should be allowed to dry completely, then disposed of in regular trash.
• Miscellaneous products including mercury thermometers, flares, fire extinguishers, lead acid batteries, rechargeable batteries, fluorescent tube light bulbs, CFL bulbs, mini propane canisters, electric oil-filled heaters, dyes, lighter fluids, concrete or asphalt sealers, and swimming pool chemicals.

The following items will not be accepted: electronics, appliances, asbestos, latex or water-based paint, explosives, ammunition, ordinance material, infectious biologically-active wastes, prescription medications, large pressured cylinders, radioactive material, alkaline household batteries, smoke detectors, items containing Freon, propane tanks, and tires.

Click for information on tire collection locations or for information on disposal of other specific items.

Note that amounts are limited to 25 gallons or 220 pounds per vehicle, in containers of no more than 5 gallons each.  Materials are taken on a first-come, first-served basis.

To safely transport Household Hazardous Waste, follow these guidelines:

• Keep all products in original containers with the labels intact.
• Wrap leaking containers in newspaper and place in plastic bag or garbage container making sure that all lids and caps are secure.
• Place items securely in a box for transport.
• Keep chemicals which may react with one another in separate parts of the vehicle.
• Do not leave materials in hot, unventilated areas for long periods of time.
• Do not smoke near chemicals.

For more information, visit Montgomery County’s Home Hazardous Waste Page or call the Recycling Hotline at 610-278-3618.  Also note that Home Depot accepts rechargeable batteries and CFL bulbs for recycling and Best Buy accepts rechargeable batteries.  See below for neighboring Counties Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Programs:

Bucks County; Chester County; Delaware County; Philadelphia County