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County Resident Household Hazardous Waste
What makes a household material hazardous?
Household hazardous materials are common products you may use around the home. They must be used, as directed, in a particular, careful manner. Household hazardous waste that is improperly disposed of presents a health threat and may contaminate the water, soil, air or other natural resources. Special handling of these materials is required to minimize environmental risk and protect our health.
A substance is considered hazardous if it ignites easily, reacts or explodes when mixed with other substances, is corrosive or toxic. Check for labels that bear the words or symbols for: caution, warning, danger, poison, or toxic.
How do I get rid of household hazardous waste?
Please note that Convenience Centers cannot take household hazardous waste during normal operating hours.
All residential household hazardous waste can be disposed of properly for no charge by Calvert County residents on the scheduled Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days.
When is the next Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day?
All Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m, rain or shine. Proof of Calvert County residency is required (such as a driver's license). Commercial haulers, businesses or institutions are not permitted.
| Date | Site | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, July 11, 2020 | Mt. Hope Convenience Center | 96 Pushaw Station Road, Sunderland |
| Saturday, October 24, 2020 | Appeal Landfill | 401 Sweetwater Road, Lusby |
What is accepted on Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days?
These materials are accepted on residential Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days.
- acids
- adhesives/glues/epoxies
- auto and floor care products
- brake fluids
- cleaners (ammonia, drain cleaner, oven cleaner, etc.)
- explosives (ammunition, fireworks, flares)
- fertilizers
- gasoline and gas/oil mix
- lighter fluid
- medicines/pharmaceuticals (human and animal)
- mercury (thermometers, thermostats)
- oil-based paints
- paint strippers (acetone, toluene)
- paint thinners (mineral spirits, turpentine)
- pesticides/insecticides/ herbicides/ fungicides
- photographic chemicals
- pool chemicals
- science chemicals
- solvents
- stains and varnishes
- wood preservatives
These materials are not accepted on residential Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days.
- 2-4-5 TP silex
- 30-, 50- and 85 gallon containers without prior approval
- asbestos products
- biohazardous waste (syringes, lancets, IV, etc.)
- dioxin
- ketones
- latex paint - not hazardous, please see Important Note below
- PCBs
- radioactive materials (includes old watches and old smoke alarms)
These materials are accepted year-round at Convenience Centers or Appeal Landfill.
- antifreeze - Convenience Centers
- batteries (lead-acid and rechargeable) - Convenience Centers
- diesel fuel - Convenience Centers
- gas cylinders - oxygen, fire extinguishers, carbon dioxide, acetylene - Appeal Landfill; $8.00 per cylinder; cash or check only
- helium tanks - Convenience Centers
- kerosene - Convenience Centers
- light bulbs (all types) - Convenience Centers
- mercury products - Appeal Landfill
- metal - Convenience Centers or Appeal Landfill
- needles, lancets must be in special sharps containers, not loose - Convenience Centers
- oil filters - Convenience Centers
- oils (hydraulic, motor, transmission - cannot be mixed with gas) - Convenience Centers
- propane tanks, 1 lb. size - Convenience Centers
- propane tanks, greater than 1 lb. size - Appeal Landfill; $5.00 fee per tank; cash or check only
- x-rays and MRI film - Appeal Landfil
Important Note: Latex paint is not considered household hazardous waste.
Latex paint is commonly used as interior and exterior paint. Read the paint container label to identify the type of paint. Latex paints clean up with water and soap. Oil-based paints clean up with mineral spirits or turpentine. Oil-based paint is hazardous waste and needs to be disposed of as hazardous waste.
How to dispose of latex paint
- open the can in a safe, well-ventilated space
- carefully mix in kitty litter, dirt, or sand until it becomes a thick consistency without overflowing
- allow the paint mixture to dry to a consistency similar to peanut butter
- place the lid back on the can and dispose of it in your household trash
If you have a little bit of latex paint:
- open the can and leave it in a safe, well-ventilated space
- allow the paint to dry solid
- place the lid back on the can and dispose of it in your household trash
Why are there only a couple of Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days a year?
Because of the diversity of hazardous products and the different disposal techniques needed, it can be very costly to properly dispose of household hazardous waste. The Solid Waste Division covers these costs for you.
What happens to the collected household hazardous waste?
Because this form of waste is highly varied, each category requires special handling and processing. The Solid Waste Division works with a reputable contractor. The collected materials are sorted by their type and required handling. Materials collected by Calvert County are recycled or disposed of in special hazardous waste containment, incineration facilities or reprocessed.