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1. What is household hazardous waste?

Any product, chemical or material that can cause injury to people or harm to the environment when disposed is considered hazardous. When chemicals are disposed of improperly, they can pollute our air or water or harm wildlife, plant life, and food supplies. Remember, many of these products can also pose dangers when used or misused so always read and follow the directions.

2. What products in my home are considered hazardous?

Hazardous materials can be found in many different areas of your home - under the sink, out by the pool, and in the garage. Examples include automotive products, rechargeable batteries, propane tanks, fluorescent bulbs, paint products, pesticides, household cleaners, pool chemicals, and electronics.

3. Is there a cost?

There is no cost for household hazardous wastes however there may be limitations on quantities. This program is funded by the Solid Waste Authority as an operating expense.

4. What items don’t you accept?

Medical wastes, syringes or sharps, drugs, radioactive materials, and explosives. However we can guide you to other resources and assistance.

5. Is leftover paint considered hazardous?

Oil base paints and related products such as mineral spirits, paint thinners, shellacs and varnishes are often flammable or combustible. Latex, or water based paints, can create unsightly spills and messes when compacted in garbage trucks. All paints are accepted at HCRC sites.

6. What can I do with leftover latex paint?

Latex paint (water-based) can be dried out and then thrown away in your garbage. Remove the lid, add sand, cat litter, or saw dust, and leave uncovered to dry. Leave the lid off and put in your regular garbage.

7. I recently moved into a house and there is old paint and chemicals in the garage. What do I do with them?

When you closed on the property these products became yours. Disposing of them should cost you nothing unless they were commercially generated (from a business). Take the products to one of our Home Chemical and Recycling Centers or call 561-687-1100 for more information.

8. What can I do with empty cans or containers?

Empty cans or product containers can be thrown away in your regular garbage. Remove the lid or cap so that it can be seen as empty.

9. Where can I take used motor oil?

Used motor oil can be taken to any of our convenient drop-off locations during regular business hours. Many auto parts stores, service stations, and oil change shops also accept used motor oil. Call the Used Oil Hotline at 800-741-4337, or check Earth911.org for locations nearest you. Earth911

10. Why are fluorescent bulbs hazardous?

All fluorescent bulbs contain mercury, which is easily released to the environment when broken. Mercury is a toxic metal that affects fish and wildlife and potentially anyone that consumes contaminated fish or wildlife. All HCRC sites accept fluorescent lamps. Most Home Depots and Lowe's also accept compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs).

11. Are all batteries hazardous?

No. In fact, common single use batteries such as alkaline batteries can be placed in your garbage. However, rechargeable batteries (Ni-cad, lithium, button size) must be disposed of properly. All of our Home Chemical and Recycling Centers accept rechargeable batteries.

Many retailers also accept rechargeable batteries For additional locations, call 800-8-BATTERY, or check earth911.org. Earth911

12. I have old gasoline from my boat or generator. What should I do with it?

Small quantities of fuel (10 gallons or less) in sealed, labeled containers that are 5 gallon size or less may be taken to any Home Chemical and Recycling Centers. Containers left at the unattended HCRC sites cannot be returned. Containers can only be emptied and returned to you at the staffed HCRC facilities in WPB and Delray Beach - west during regular business hours.

Large quantities are accepted only at the staffed HCRC facilities. The fuel must be from your own, personal use boat or generator. Please note: We do not allow siphoning on our property, nor will we empty a drum for you.

13. What is e-waste? (Electronics)

Electronic products and components are often called e-waste when discarded. E-waste includes computers, printers, monitors, televisions, audio equipment, cell phones and any other similar type of item with electronic circuit boards.

Electronics often contain small amounts of hazardous materials such as mercury and lead that are completely safe within the product but may pose environmental risks when disposed. Fortunately electronics are also easily recycled.

14. I have a business that has small amounts of hazardous waste. What do I do?

The SWA has a fee-based program for what are known as "Very Small Quantity Generators" (VSQG). You must complete and submit an application and an inventory of your material must be received before you can schedule a delivery. For more information on this program see the Small Business disposal area in this website or call 561-687-1100.