Household Hazardous Waste Collection

Many pesticides, weed killers, automotive products, cleaning products and hobby supplies that we use in our homes contain toxic chemicals that become hazardous waste. If we simply toss these products in the garbage, pour them down the drain, or dump them onto the ground, the result can be pollution to our soil and water.

The Macomb County Health Department accepts household hazardous waste, free of charge, from Macomb County residents on scheduled collection days in an effort to assure proper disposal of these materials.

For collection dates, times and locations click here .

Typical materials accepted include:

Automotive Products

used motor oil and filters
brake fluid
battery acid
transmission fluid
gasoline
antifreeze
cleaners, waxes, polishes

Lawn/Garden Products

pesticides
weed killers
fertilizers
poisons

Household Products

oven cleaner
oil based paint
drain cleaner
muriatic acid
rat/ant poison
pool chemicals
degreasers
photography chemicals
lighter fluid / torch fuel
unused aerosols
nail polish & remover
products containing mercury
solvents
fluorescent tubes
non-narcotic medications

Please click on the link below for a list of pharmacies that accept medications: DrugDisposalBrochure

The Macomb County Health Department cannot accept computers or any other electronic devices (E-waste) at this time.

Please visit Statewide Manufacturer Electronic Waste Collection Program, Michigan Recycled Materials Market Directory or Earth911 to find a list of recyclers in your area.

We reserve the right to limit quantities accepted at HHW collections.

Materials that will NOT be accepted are:

Latex (water based) paint - see "How to Dispose of Latex Paint" below
Automotive/marine batteries - return to battery retailer
Propane tanks - contact your local propane distributor
Ammunition and explosives - contact your local law enforcement agency
Smoke detectors-return to manufacturer or wrap in newsprint and discard at curbside
Syringes and sharps - contact your local pharmacy or hospital or follow the link http://www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/whm-stsw-mwrp-The-Point-is-Needles-Hurt_257177_7.pdf
Household Batteries - contact your municipality or local waste hauler
E-Waste and electronics
Refrigerated Appliances - contact your electric utility company or search Earth911 for proper disposal facility near you http://search.earth911.com/

How to Dispose of Latex Paint

Latex paint must be dried out or solidified prior to disposal. Use cat litter or other suitable absorbent material to dry out the paint.
Once the paint is solidified, leave the lid off the can and set it out for collection with your regular curbside refuse. Waste hauling companies can not and will not accept liquid waste materials.
If you are unsure whether the paint is latex (water-based), refer to the clean-up instructions on the paint can. Clean-up for latex paint can be done using water.

Please Note: Other municipalities such as City of St. Clair Shores, Shelby Township and Washington Township have their own special Household Hazardous Waste and electronic collections. For detail information please refer to their websites.

Questions?

If you have any questions, call us at 586-469-5236, Monday-Friday,
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. or E-mail us now.

24/7 Hot line 586-466-7923

Other Resources

Environmental Protection Agency
http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/materials/hhw.htm

Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3585_4130-70304--,00.html

Michigan Department of Agriculture (Clean Sweep)
http://www.michigan.gov/mdard/0,1607,7-125-1568_2390_45388-11759--,00.htmll