The last Household Hazardous Waste collection for the 2024 season will be Saturday, November 30.
About
Residential customers only. Corrosive, flammable, reactive or toxic products, found in most homes, garages & workshops, are considered Household Hazardous Waste (HHW). These products pose risks if used, stored or disposed of improperly. Proper care is essential when dealing with Household Hazardous Waste.
Residents' Convenience Center, 2350 Marriottsville Rd, Marriottsville, MD 21104
Residential Only: Saturdays (April through November), 8:00am - 4:00pm
Accepted Material
Yes, we accept
Even green, natural cleaners can be hazardous. Please also dispose of these products responsibly.
- All-purpose cleaners
- Automotive fluids (transmission fluid, brake fluid, etc.)
- Batteries* (rechargeable, button, Lithium)
- Cleaners/powders
- Degreasers
- E-cigarettes & Vapes*
- Fluorescent light bulbs/CFLs
- Furniture Polish
- Gasoline, diesel fuel
- Insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides
- Kerosene
- Mercury thermometers & thermostats
- Mildew Removers
- Nail Polish Removers
- Paint
- Paint thinners
- Photography Chemicals
- Rust Removers
- Solvents/strippers
- Swimming Pool Chemicals
- Wood Preservatives
*Must be disassembled before disposal.
No, we can't accept
- Ammunition*
- Asbestos
- Commercial, industrial or medical waste
- Dioxin
- Explosives**
- Fireworks**
- Kepones (an insecticide)
- PCBs
- Radioactive materials. Call the MDE Office of Radiological Health at 410-537-3300.
*Visit our Know Before You Throw webpage for how to dispose of these items.
**For explosives and fireworks, call the State Fire Marshall Office of Bomb Squad (Monday - Friday, 8am to 4pm) at 410-859-7152.
Rules & Restrictions
Drop-off Days
Saturdays ONLY (April through November) from 8am to 4pm at the Alpha Ridge Landfill located at 2350 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, Maryland 21104. There are typically three special Saturday collections during the winter off-season.
Residents using the HHW program are required to show their drivers licenses as proof of residence in Howard County.
How to Prepare HHW
- DON'T mix different or unknown materials together in the same container.
- Bring materials in their original container or in a secure, clearly labeled, leak-proof container.
- Make sure lids are tight.
- If the container leaks, pack contents and container in a larger leak-proof package and use an absorbent material (such as cat litter) to soak up leaks.
- Group similar materials to make unloading easier.
Drop-off Area Guidelines
When arriving at the Residents' Convenience Area, you will be directed to the HHW drop off area and asked to move your items to one of the analyzing tables.
On-site chemists will examine the materials. They may ask for your help in identifying any unlabeled materials that you have brought. Based on their analysis, they will determine the proper packaging for transport and disposal of the hazardous materials.
Additional Resources
Tips for your home
Buy Responsibly
- Use white vinegar, salt and water for surface cleaning and baking soda as a toilet cleaner. Detox your home with these easy alternatives.
- Only buy what you need. If you have some left over, share it with friends, neighbors or community groups. Remember that the large economy size ends up costing more when you don't use it all and must dispose leftovers.
- Purchase non-toxic household cleaning products, or safer alternatives, whenever possible. Not all brands contain hazardous materials.
- Use latex paint instead of oil-based paint.
Use Responsibly
- Always read and follow all directions and precautions on labels.
- Never mix products unless directed. Some products are chemically incompatible and may react to cause fumes, fires, or explosives.
- Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Wear protective eyeglasses, gloves and clothing when handling hazardous materials.
- Use products for their intended purpose.
Store Properly
- Keep hazardous materials OUT OF CHILDREN'S AND PET'S REACH, in a dry, secure place.
- Separate flammable, corrosive and poisonous products.
- Keep hazardous products away from food and sources of heat or sparks.
- Store materials in their original containers with the labels intact.
Hazardous Materials in the Work Place
The EPA's Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery (ORCR) announced the availability of an updated version of "Managing Your Waste: A Guide For Small Businesses." This handbook helps small businesses comply with federal hazardous waste management regulations.
Battery Disposal
Lithium-Ion batteries and any device that contains a lithium-ion battery should NOT be placed out for trash or recycling collection. These batteries and devices and considered hazardous and have contributed to fires at Alpha Ridge Landfill and to curbside collection trucks. Keep our workers safe by correctly disposing of these batteries and devices.
Lithium-Ion and rechargeable batteries can be dropped off with Household Hazardous Waste on Saturdays. There are also many retailers that offer recycling and disposal options for all types of batteries. Download our battery recycling poster for more details.