A cluttered garage filled with various household items and tools. Text overlay reads 'Household Hazardous Waste Collection' with details about accepting items listed on municipal websites, proof of residency required, and event date and time.

Contact your municipality for Household Hazardous Waste disposal options near you.

Household Hazardous Waste Disposal

Household hazardous waste (HHW) refers to discarded household products that contain toxic, corrosive, flammable, or reactive ingredients. It is illegal to dispose of these materials in regular trash, septic or wastewater systems, or into storm drains because they pose a threat to human health, animals, and the environment.

How to pack and transport hazardous waste

  1. Keep hazardous waste in its original container.

  2. NEVER MIX OR COMBINE PRODUCTS.  

  3. Place all materials in a secure box and put it in the trunk or truck bed. If a container is leaking, wrap it in a plastic bag and place in a separate box.  

  4. Always remain in your car when you reach the drop-off location. Trained staff will inspect and remove the hazardous waste from your vehicle.  

  5. Please remember hazardous waste is flammable.  For your safety and the safety of others, smoking is prohibited in or near the drop-off location which includes in your vehicle.

Impacts on Water Quality

Household hazardous waste (HHW) severely harms water quality by releasing toxic chemicals (like heavy metals, solvents, pesticides) into groundwater and surface water through drains, soil, or landfills, creating "dead zones," poisoning aquatic life, damaging septic systems, and making water unsafe for humans and wildlife, impacting entire ecosystems and food chains

Find a location near you!

These sites accept materials that can’t go in household trash and recycling from Maine residents throughout the year. Contact a location directly to confirm accepted materials, drop-off times, and potential disposal fees.

Casella Waste Services, Multiple Locations

Contact your local Casella location for drop-off times and accepted materials.

Environmental Depot, Lewiston

They accept household hazardous waste on the 3rd Saturday of the month (May through October).

Riverside Recycles, Portland

They accept household hazardous waste on the 1st Saturday of the month (April through November). They also accept construction & demolition debris, appliances, tires, electronic waste, and more.

PaintCare, Multiple Locations

PaintCare offers drop-off sites throughout Maine where the public can take unwanted paints, stains, sealers, and more for recycling.