Household Hazardous Waste

What is Household Hazardous Waste?

Leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, or reactive ingredients are considered to be “household hazardous waste”—or HHW—when the products are safe to use when you follow the manufacture’s instructions, but they require special handling when you are ready to dispose of them. If disposed of improperly, these wastes can pollute the environment and they can pose a threat to human health. Some of the household hazardous wastes found in many homes include:

  • Floor care products, furniture polish, metal polish
  • Nail polish and polish remover
  • Antifreeze, break fluid, gasoline, kerosene, transmission fluid, windshield washer fluid
  • Glue, mineral spirits, oil based paint, paint thinner, paint stripper, rust remover, varnish, wood preservative
  • Fungicide, insecticide, weed killer, rat/mouse poison
  • Gun cleaning solvent, moth balls, lighter fluid, swimming pool chemicals
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What should I do with Household Hazardous Waste?

Save the waste and take it to a drop off location. The Allen County Department of Environmental Management holds weekly Tox-Away Tuesdays for Allen County, Indiana residents. The event takes place every Tuesday from 9 AM–2 PM at 2260 Carroll Road. Minimal fees apply for disposal of household hazardous wastes. There are also a number of private companies in Fort Wayne and Allen County that will accept and properly dispose of household hazardous wastes. Fees apply. You can find out more about disposing of household hazardous wastes at the Allen County Department of Environmental Management’s website: www.acwastewatcher.org or find more information at Fort Wayne’s Solid Waste Department.

What about about light bulbs and batteries?

Fluorescent bulbs contain small amounts of mercury and should not be put in the trash. Fluorescent bulbs up to 8-feet long as well as compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) and LED bulbs can be taken to any Connolly’s Do-It Best Store, Umber’s Do It Best Store, or Grabill Hardware during regular business hours. Household batteries may be dropped off at Batteries Plus Bulbs, Umber’s Do it Best Hardware stores, or OmniSource Electronics Recycling.

Electronic equipment such as televisions, computers, and cell phones may contain hazardous chemicals and materials that can be recycled. Contact the Allen County Department of Environmental Management for more information on household electronics recycling.