Redirecting Hazardous Waste

One of the most critical solid waste services that we provide to our neighbors is an avenue for disposing of materials that are not only harmful to the environment, but also could be harmful to humans. Depending upon what type of hazardous waste it is, we can offer or recommend secure channels for disposal.

When you bring your hazardous waste to one of our Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Events, or use one of our secure collection boxes, you can be assured that all hazardous materials are handled by authorized vendors who are specially trained to process them, or dispose of them if necessary, according to State and Federal guidelines for each particular type of waste.

When you utilize the drop services of a community vendor, such as a pharmacy or licensed auto repair facility, you can inquire about how they handle hazardous waste. You should find that they are inspected and evaluated as part of their licensing based in part on how effectively they manage hazardous waste.

Where does the hazardous waste go?

• Most hazardous waste is simply destroyed safely. This is especially true of medications, solvents, and flammables.
• Some hazardous waste can be recycled, for example certain oils and some paints.
• Items containing hazardous elements often can be broken down into their components. Some of the components can be extracted for recycling and some parts can be re-used. This tends to be the case with electronic waste.

The bottom line:  Please keep hazardous materials out of our City carts, commercial dumpsters, public space containers, and anywhere that they can come in contact with humans or wildlife.