Disposal and drop-off locations for household hazardous waste

Household hazardous waste includes products that we purchase and use every day in our homes that can harm us or the environment if they are not handled properly.

If you have household hazardous waste, you have several options: donation, retail collection, and local household hazardous waste drop-off locations.

1. Donation

For items that can still be used lawfully, consider donating them to someone you know will use them properly. Common options for donating include offering paints, stains, cleansers, electronics, etc. to local parks, churches, art counsels, non-profit housing authorities, shelters, and neighbors.

2. Retail collection

Many retailers offer services for recycling or disposing of household items when you purchase a replacement item. Look for these options when shopping for new items like electronics, batteries, light bulbs, medications, motor oil, and antifreeze at department, hardware and auto parts stores, or pharmacies.

For example, Michigan's Battery Disposal law requires retailers and auto repair shops that sell batteries to provide recycling options for their customers. This makes it easy to recycle lead acid batteries as you can take them to the store where you purchase the replacement battery.