Hazardous Waste - Households
Get Rid of Toxics in Your Home
What is household hazardous waste? Many household products you use in your yard and home can hurt people, fish and wildlife if used or disposed of incorrectly. You may be surprised at the products in your home that have the words "warning", "caution", “danger” or even "poison" on the label. You should never dispose of your household toxic trash down the sink, on the ground, down a storm drain or in your garbage can.
The Tri-County Hazardous Waste Program now sponsors free household hazardous waste collection events around the region. The events are open to all residents of Wasco, Hood River and Sherman Counties.
What to bring:
- oil-based paints, stains, thinners and solvents
- septic field/drain cleaners, oven cleaners
- gasoline, kerosene and other fuels
- pool and spa chemicals
- pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers and poisons for home use
- antifreeze and other automotive fluids
- household cleaners, disinfectants and other aerosols
- household batteries
- art and hobby chemicals
- propane tanks or bottles from barbecue grills
- fluorescent lamps and ballasts
Do not bring:
Empty aerosol cans
Aerosol cans that are not empty should be disposed of as household hazardous waste. If they are empty you may be put them in the trash.
Latex paint, cans of dried paint and empty containers
If you can’t find someone to use your leftover latex paint, set the container in an out-of-the-way place, take off the lid and let the paint fully dry out. Then discard the container in the garbage. Your garbage hauler will accept these only if the lid is removed. Consider buying less next time.
Motor oil
If you have curbside recycling you can recycle oil at the curb. If you do not have curbside service, you can take it to recycling area at The Dalles Disposal or the Hood River Garbage transfer station. Pour oil into an unbreakable, see-through container with a screw-on lid (milk jugs work well). Used oil filters should be disposed of at the hazardous waste facility.
How to transport hazardous products:
- Keep products in original containers when possible. If a product does not have its original label, label it yourself if you’re sure of the contents- Do Not Guess. This will help us dispose of your materials safely.
- Don’t mix products together. Dangerous reactions can occur when some materials are mixed.
- Make sure products are properly sealed to prevent leaks and spills. If a container is leaking, secure it in a secondary leak-proof container.
- Pack containers in sturdy boxes in the trunk of your vehicle, away from driver, passengers and pets. Cardboard boxes work well.
- Containers and boxes, including gasoline cans, cannot be returned to you, so make sure you don’t need them for future use. Please do not put items in plastic bags.
- Always store products in a secure place, away from children, pets and heat, sparks or flames.
Remain in your vehicle when you arrive at the facility or neighborhood collection site. A technician will unload your materials and you’ll be on your way. And, please, no smoking.
Tips for reducing household hazards:
- Read the label and follow use and safety directions.
- Substitute a less harmful product.
- Only buy the amount you need.
- Share leftovers with someone who will use them, except pesticides. Old pesticides lose their potency after two years and could contain products that are prohibited (e.g. DDT and Kelthane).
- To make a greener cleaner cleaning kit visit www.metroregion.org
For questions or more information on The Tri-County Hazardous Waste Program, call: (541) 506-2636.