What is household hazardous waste and how can I dispose of it?
By Rosario Lopez-Cadenas
The City of Austin now offers a new, convenient solution for residents to safely dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW) through its on-demand HHW collection service. Residents can now get rid of toxic or hazardous materials from their homes without traveling to the Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center.
What is household hazardous waste (HHW)?
You might have heard the term household hazardous waste (HHW) recently, but what exactly is it?
HHW includes a wide range of everyday items that contain harmful chemicals and pose risks to human health and the environment. These items often end up in landfills, contributing to pollution if not disposed of properly. Some common examples of HHW include:
- Paints and paint thinners
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Automotive fluids
- Cleaning products
- Fluorescent light bulbs
- Batteries
- Pool chemicals
Disposing of these items correctly is essential to a safe and healthy environment for all.
How can I dispose of HHW?
Austin Resource Recovery curbside residential customers now have access to on-demand HHW collection, an easy-to-use service for safely disposing of HHW. This service allows you to schedule a pick-up from the comfort of your home. Here’s how it works:
- Schedule your pick-up: Schedule an appointment through the Austin Recycles app, austintexas.gov/ondemand or by calling 311.
- Prepare your items: Once your appointment is confirmed, you'll need to prepare your HHW for pick-up. Proper set out is important in ensuring the HHW is safely collected. Make sure to follow the guidelines on austintexas.gov/ondemand for a smooth collection.
- Pick-up and safe disposal: On the scheduled day, our crew will come to your home to collect your HHW items. These items will then be safely transported to the Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center to be recycled or disposed of.
Not an Austin Resource Recovery residential customer?
The Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center accepts HHW item drop offs by appointment only. To schedule your appointment, download the Austin Recycles app or visit austintexas.gov/dropoff.