Hazardous Waste
The District accepts household hazardous waste from Howard County residents free of charge during our regular business hours. This includes, but isn’t limited to, automotive fluids, household cleaners, fertilizers, pesticides, and paints/stains. Just stop in our front office and check in with the desk staff. You will need to show your proof of residency, and then staff will direct you to the back. Small quantity generators such as landlords, small businesses, non-profits, government agencies, and churches can drop off small quantities for a fee. For a current list of prices, please contact the District at 765-456-2274.
How do I Know if a Product is Hazardous?
A product is considered hazardous if it is corrosive, toxic, flammable, or reacts/ignites when mixed with other substances. The federal government has established labeling requirements for consumer products containing hazardous substances. Watch out for signal words on labels such as poison, danger, warning, and caution.
What's Under Your Kitchen Sink in Your Shed or Garage?
Many common household products contain ingredients which can harm people, pets, and our environment if handled or disposed of improperly. Most homes in Howard County contain three to ten gallons of these hazardous products. These include everyday items such as paint, thinners, insecticides pesticides, cleaners, and automotive fluid products.
What are the Dangers of Improper Disposal?
Care must be taken to dispose of hazardous products in the proper way to reduce the environmental impact and safety hazards caused by disposal. Toxic products carelessly tossed in the trash can injure sanitation workers, damage collection vehicles, or leak into the environment. Similarly, when dumped down the drain some products can cause water pollution and damage plumbing and septic systems. Products poured on the ground or in a storm sewer pollute our water supply.
How Can I Get Rid of My Leftover Products?
The best way to get rid of leftover products is to use them up or give them away to someone who can use them. Since this is not always possible, the Howard County Recycling District offers year round Household Hazardous Waste Collections. This facility is open every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8am to 4pm, Wednesday 1pm to 4pm. The District is closed weekends and major holidays. This facility is for Howard County residents only.