From paint thinner in the garage to that old laptop in the closet, most homes harbor household hazardous waste (HHW). HHW is any product that contains chemicals that can catch fire, react, explode, or leach toxins into the environment. Tossing these items with your regular trash jeopardizes sanitation workers and threatens Arizona’s precious groundwater. Safe, responsible HHW disposal is an investment in our state’s future and a commitment to safe communities.
What Counts as HHW?
The list below includes some examples of HHW. Always check the warning labels or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) of a product for storage and disposal guidelines.
- Automotive products: motor oil, antifreeze, gasoline, wax, and polishes
- Batteries: single-use, rechargeable, and vehicle batteries
- Electronics & small appliances: TVs, computers, cell phones, printers, microwaves, A/C units, and more
- Garden chemicals: pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, insecticides
- Lighting: CFL, HID, metal-halide, and fluorescent bulbs
- Mercury items: liquid mercury, thermometers, thermostats
- Paints & solvents: oil-based or latex paints, spray paint, adhesives, acetone, caulk, paint thinner, wood stain/preservative
- Detectors: smoke, radon, carbon-monoxide alarms
- Pool & spa chemicals
- Pesticides and Herbicides
- Household cleaners: toilet bowl, tile, carpet, rust removers
- Propane or Pressurized Gas Containers
- Unknown or unlabeled substances
Even small amounts of leftover fuel, solvent, or corrosive cleaner can ignite, explode, or release toxins when exposed to extreme heat, compacted in a garbage truck its load or when waste is crushed at the landfill. Play it safe: if you’re ever in doubt, treat the item as household hazardous waste and take it to an HHW drop-off site.
Items NOT Accepted as HHW
- Ammunition or explosives
- Asbestos-containing materials
- Commercial or construction debris
- Prescription medicines*
- Radioactive items†
* Medication disposal: Select police stations and pharmacies host secure prescription drop-boxes. Find a location near you: https://www.azdhs.gov/gis/dump-the-drugs-az/
† Radioactive symbol spotted? Step away and call the Arizona Bureau of Radiation Control (24-hr line: 480-202-4982).
How and Where to Dispose of HHW
Each Arizona municipality sets its own collection schedules, limits, and accepted materials. Search online for an HHW program in your city or visit your county’s solid-waste webpage for current guidelines. Most programs offer one or more of the following:
- Drive-through HHW events – free or low-cost drop-off days for residents.
- Permanent collection facilities – year-round HHW acceptance by appointment or during set hours.
- Retail take-back programs – many auto-parts stores, hardware chains, and electronics retailers recycle motor oil, batteries, bulbs, and devices.
Tips for a Safe Drop-Off
- Leave products in original, labeled containers whenever possible
- Seal lids tightly and pack chemicals upright in a sturdy box
- Do not mix liquids – some combinations can ignite or release toxic fumes
- Transport in the trunk or truck bed to keep fumes out of the passenger area
- Bring proof of residency if required
Protect your home, your neighbors, and Arizona’s water – dispose of household hazardous waste the right way, every time.
BioteamAZ is committed to protecting Arizona communities through safe waste management practices. We handle biohazard cleanup and extreme hoarding cleanup. Need expert assistance? Contact us here or call us at (602) 246-8326.
