Beginning September 12, 2022, Austin Resource Recovery is conducting a pilot program to gather information about household hazardous waste (HHW) collection in the City of Austin. This program will be tested in Austin City Council Districts 4 and 10.
It will help the City understand the challenges related to the at-home collection of HHW. It will also allow the City to gauge the usability and benefits of the program.
Recycling and reuse (or proper disposal) of HHW keeps dangerous and harmful materials out of our landfills and the environment. It also reduces pollution, energy use and the consumption of raw materials. If you are in Districts 4 or 10, you can now do this from the comfort of your home. The pilot will last one year.
Although having a new service can feel overwhelming, it doesn't need to be. We can help.
Household hazardous waste (HHW)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers some leftover household products HHW. These include products that:
- can catch fire, react or explode under certain circumstances
- that are corrosive or toxic
- that contain hazardous ingredients and require special care when you dispose of them
Use your HHW collection service
Schedule a maximum of three collections per household per calendar year for the duration of the pilot.
Step 1
Download the Austin Recycles app (available for Apple and Android devices) to schedule a collection. (Collections can also be scheduled online.)
Step 2
Set items out by 5:30 a.m. on the scheduled collection day.
HHW items should be sealed and labeled then placed in a recyclable container (like a cardboard box or tub), which will be collected and not returned. When possible, place HHW items in a covered outdoor area like on a porch, by a garage, front door or overhang. Due to safety concerns, HHW should be out of the rain and direct sunlight, and away from sources of heat, spark, flame or ignition.
Learn what to set out for collection
The program will collect these items right from your home:
- Aerosol cans
- Automotive fluids and oil filters
- Batteries (car and household)
- Cleaning products
- Cooking oil and grease
- Fluorescent light bulbs
- Mercury (thermometers, etc.)
- Paint and paint thinners
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Pool chemicals
- Propane cylinders
Items outside of those listed here cannot be collected through this service. Please use the 'What do I do with...' tool to find zero waste disposal options for other items.
Collection tips
- When possible, place items for collection in a recyclable container (like a cardboard box or tub), which will be collected and not returned.
- Unsealed, open or unlabeled containers cannot be collected.
- Leaking containers should be bagged separately to avoid inadvertent reactions. (Sealable/zip-top bags work well in these cases.)
- Items should be placed in an area the collections staff can access and animals should be restrained.
- Due to safety concerns, the largest container accepted is a five-gallon capacity, and there is a 30-gallon limit for the total quantity of materials collected during each scheduled collection. If you have more than 30 gallons, please schedule another appointment or make an appointment to drop off items at the Recycle & Reuse Drop-off Center.
- Commercial or industrial materials cannot be collected. Any waste generated by a business in Austin and Travis County can exchange materials with each other through the Austin Materials Marketplace.