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Household Hazardous Waste

Household cleaners, lawn and garden products, pesticides and insecticides, paint, mineral spirits, and solvents, automobile fluids, thermostats and other products containing mercury are dangerous when improperly stored at home or thrown away. The risks of storing household hazardous waste may not be immediately noticeable. But, if it isn't stored correctly it can make you or your family sick. Improper disposal, which includes pouring materials down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers, or putting them out with your regular trash, can pollute nearby soil,  rivers, streams, and ground water. Hazardous waste can also contaminate your septic tank or wastewater system.

Always dispose of your leftover unwanted household hazardous chemicals and toxic materials in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.

NEXT EVENT!

Saturday, August 24, 2024
8:30am - 11:30am
SUNY Schenectady
78 Washington Ave, Schenectady

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

There are no more spaces available for online sign-up. You can email recycling@schenectadycountyny.gov or call 518-388-4775 to see if any new spaces have opened up or to get on the wait list for the next event in November.
  • Antifreeze
  • Auto fluids (other than motor oil)
  • Bleach
  • Drain decloggers
  • Flares
  • Flammable adhesives
  • Fluorescent lighting ballasts
  • Household cleaning products
  • Insecticides
  • Lawn and garden products
  • Mercury (bulk)
  • Mercury containing products (thermostats, thermometers, sneakers containing
  • lights, etc.)
  • Paints, latex
  • Paints, oil
  • Herbicides, Pesticides and vermin control poisons
  • Pet flea control
  • Photo chemicals
  • Pool and spa chemicals
  • Propane tanks (1 lb.)
  • Stains, lacquers, varnishes
  • Thinners, mineral spirits, solvents
  • Ammunition
  • Asbestos and asbestos containing items
  • Batteries of any kind
  • Electronics including computers and televisions
  • Explosives
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Tanks of Isocyanates (sealing foam) [Aerosols are allowed]
  • Lighting of any kind
  • Medical sharps
  • Medical waste
  • Motor oil
  • Propane tanks (grill sized or larger)
  • Radioactive items (smoke detectors)
What is Household Hazardous Waste?

Household hazardous chemicals are any products in the home which are labeled as flammable, toxic, corrosive or reactive. Any labeling that indicates danger also signifies the presence of hazardous chemicals. Household hazardous chemicals can be found in many places around the home and they pose a variety of health and environmental risks.

Free Resources

Additional Information on HHW and Managing HHW: 

How to reduce hazardous waste in your household?
NYS Department of Conservation (DEC)

Safe Management of Household Hazardous Waste
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

For more information, email recycling@schenectadycountyny.gov or call (518) 388-4775.

 

Additional Services at the Schenectady County Compost & Recycling Center

Accepts yard waste and most household recyclables.

Accepts appliances, lawn mowers, various metals, tires, and more.

Accepts most electronic items, including TVs, computers, and batteries.