Household Hazardous Waste
Many of the products that are used in your home or yard can cause harm to people, fish, and wildlife if used or disposed of incorrectly. Products that have the words danger, caution, warning, poison, toxic, flammable / combustible, or corrosive on the label are considered hazardous and should not be disposed of down the drain, on the ground, down a storm drain, or in your household trash. Feel free to consult Metro's Consumer Guide to Hazardous Waste.
What do I do with hazardous waste?
You can take your toxic trash year-round to Metro Central’s Hazardous Waste Depot, Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 4 pm. In addition, Metro’s free household hazardous waste collection events take place weekly from March to November throughout the metro region. For locations and a schedule call 503-234-3000.
Helpful Tips and Information
How do I reduce my use of hazardous waste?
- Buy only what you need.
- Choose to use natural, organic or less-toxic products in your home and garden.
- If you need to buy products that are hazardous, buy only what you will use in a reasonable period of time.
- Learn about alternative garden and yard care methods.
- Select safer alternative products whenever you can.
- Share leftovers with someone who can use them. One exception: Please don’t give away old pesticides. They generally lose their effectiveness after two years, and old pesticides often contain chemicals that are now banned (e.g., DDT, Kelthane).
To minimize risk from accidental spills or dangerous mixing of materials, please prepare and transport your materials properly.
- Containers and boxes, including gasoline cans, cannot be returned to you, so make sure you do not need the container for future use.
- Do not mix products together. Dangerous reactions can occur when some materials are mixed.
- Do not put items in plastic bags.
- Keep products in original containers when possible. If a product does not have its original label, label it yourself if you are sure of the contents.
- Make sure products are properly sealed to prevent leaks and spills.
- Pack containers in sturdy boxes in the trunk of your vehicle, away from drivers, passengers, and pets.