Handling and disposing of hazardous waste materials requires a special set of regulations due to the potential damage they can cause to people, pets and the environment. It is important to follow the hazardous waste disposal methods the City provides for the materials listed here.
Residents can bring their hazardous waste to Household Hazardous Waste Events.
Check the schedule here.
Typical Materials Accepted at HHW Events
Computer Electronics and Televisions
Computer electronics are accepted at all HHW Events. Citizens may also bring their computer electronics to the Sanitation Convenience Centers
Donate your used computer to the Freedom Rings Partnership – an organization providing broadband access and Internet training to low-income residents. Learn how to donate.
Paint and Paint Related Materials
- Solvent-based paints and stains
- Paint thinner
- Varnish
- Paint stripper and paint brush cleaners (NOTE: Latex paint is not hazardous.)
- Lawn and Garden Project and Outdoor Products
- Pesticides (fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides)
- Chemical fertilizers
- Grill type propane cylinders (up to 20 lbs.)
- Swimming pool chemicals
Kitchen, Bathroom Products and Cleaning Solvents
- Cleaning solvents
- Fire Extinguishers
- Aerosol cans
- Bathroom and tile cleaner
- Toilet bowl cleaner
- Oven cleaners
- Drain cleaners
Automotive Products
- Used motor oil
- Antifreeze
- Lead-acid batteries
- Auto body repair products
- Brake fluid
- Degreasers
Flammable Materials
Other Materials
- Fluorescent Light Tubes (transport in original box if possible) and Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL)
- PCBs
- Dioxin forming compounds
- Mercury
- Asbestos (Non-Friable Only) for Information on proper asbestos removal, go to City of Philadelphia Health Department's web site
- Artists' paints
- Photographic chemicals
- Lead products, including solder, fishing weights, and similar items
- Household Batteries
- Rechargeable computer and cell phone batteries
- Button cell batteries used for hearing aids, watches, and calculators (NOTE: Household batteries size D, C, AA, AAA and 9 volt are not considered hazardous.)
Other Household Products
- Moth balls
- Stain and spot removers
Used Motor Oil Drop-off Site Information
How is Household Hazardous Waste Managed?
| Management Method
| Percentage
| Household Hazardous Material Class
|
| Fuels Blending |
30% |
Flammables, Solvent Based Paints, Aerosol cans
|
| Recycling |
20% |
Used Oil, Antifreeze,
Solvent Based Paint, Cylinders, Lead Acid Bat |
| Wastewater Treatment |
3% |
Acids, Bases, and
Oxidizers |
| Solidification and
Landfilling |
20% |
Latex Paint |
| Hazardous Waste
Incineration |
2% |
Pesticides and any Acute
Hazardous Materials |
| Landfill as Residual Waste |
25% |
Non-Regulated Materials
and Household Batteries |
Hazardous Waste Links