Household Hazardous Waste Disposal

Classification

All residents of Wake County should properly dispose of the following leftover hazardous products that have accumulated in their homes. These items should not be disposed of with ordinary trash or poured down the drain:

  • Acids/Bases
  • Anti-Freeze
  • Batteries
  • Drain Openers
  • Fire Extinguisher (Dry Chemical Only)
  • Household Cleaners and Polishes
  • Lighter Fluid/Kerosene
  • Mercury Thermometers
  • Paints/Lacquers
  • Pesticides/Herbicides/Poisons
  • Photographic Chemicals
  • Solvents/Thinners
  • Wood Preservatives

Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday at the South Wake Solid Waste Management Facility located at 6130 Old Smithfield Road in Apex.

What is HHW?

HHW consists of the leftover portion of hazardous products that were originally purchased for use in the home. HHW includes materials that are corrosive, reactive, toxic or ignitable. These characteristics are found in a wide range of products from the following general categories:

  • Yard and garden products
  • Automotive products
  • Paints, stains, and solvents
  • Household cleaners

Leftover Paint

Small amounts of latex paint can be safely disposed of with household garbage. Before it is tossed, make sure that the paint is completely dried out by mixing in some kitty litter or sawdust, or allowing it to dry out in the sun. Paint that you would like to keep should be stored where it will not freeze and turned upside down so it forms a seal over the lid to prevent the paint from drying.

Large amounts of latex paint and all oil based paints that you no longer have a use for should be brought to one of Wake County’s Waste Management Facilities for proper treatment.

Reduce Generation

The best way to deal with HHW is to avoid creating it in the first place:

  • Buy only the amount you need, even if a larger container offers a price discount.
  • Use up any hazardous products completely, following directions on the label.
  • Find a friend or neighbor that might use your undamaged and unexpired leftovers.
  • Recycle if possible, some stores take used products like automobile batteries for recycling.
  • Try less-toxic alternatives.
Household Hazardous Waste Material