Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection events are scheduled for the following dates:

  • Tuesday, February 6, 2024
  • Saturday, May 11, 2024

Please check the calendar for additional details regarding times and locations.

Definition of Household Hazardous Waste

Household hazardous waste (HHW) is any leftover material that is corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average home may have as much as 100 pounds of HHW in basements, garages, and storage closets.

Reduce and Reuse

The best way to deal with HHW is to avoid creating it in the first place. Consider using different, non-hazardous products. Avoid products with “poison” or “danger” on the label. If you cannot eliminate the use of hazardous products, purchase only the amounts you need. If you have leftover products, see if you know someone who can use the remaining product for its intended purpose. Visit the EPA website for more management and reduction tips.

Disposal

If you have HHW left over, please dispose of it properly. Harford County holds HHW acceptance days quarterly to allow county residents to dispose of harmful products safely. There is no charge for residents with only HHW materials. Please follow us on Facebook or check back for the next acceptance day.

Acceptable items

  • Aerosol cans
  • Ammonia
  • Bleach
  • Brake Fluid
  • Compact fluorescent lights*
  • Degreasers
  • Deodorizers
  • Driveway sealer
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Flea powder
  • Fluorescent lights*
  • Furniture polish
  • Herbicides
  • Insect repellents
  • Insecticides
  • Lacquers
  • Mercury Thermometers
  • Moth balls
  • Oil-based paints
  • Pesticides
  • Pool chemicals
  • Solvents
  • Turpentine
  • Wood preservatives
  • Wood strippers

Unacceptable items

  • Alkaline batteries*
  • Ammunition
  • Antifreeze*
  • Explosives
  • Freon cylinders
  • Gas/oil mixtures*
  • Gasoline*
  • Laboratory chemicals
  • Latex paint*
  • Lead-acid batteries*
  • Medical waste
  • Motor oil/oil filters*
  • Picric acid (do not transport)
  • Propane cylinders*
  • Radioactive waste
  • Trash*



*The Harford Waste Disposal Center regularly accepts residential fluorescent lights. Residents disposing of fluorescent lights will be required to pay the regular disposal fees, found here.

*The Harford Waste Disposal Center regularly accepts gasoline, oil, oil filters, antifreeze, lead-acid batteries, and propane cylinders for recycling at the Harford Waste Disposal Center (HWDC). Latex paint is not hazardous and can be disposed of at the HWDC regularly. Alkaline batteries may be disposed of in your regular trash. Any resident bringing trash for disposal will be required to pay the regular fees, found here.

Please note

  • Harford County residents only - proof of residency required
  • No businesses, industrial, or commercial customers

  1. Mon Dec. 25

    Christmas Day

  2. Mon Jan. 1

    New Year's Holiday

  3. Mon Jan. 15

    Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
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