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Household Hazardous Waste

Hazardous waste exhibits one or more characteristics of ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity, making it dangerous. Paint products, pool chemicals, household cleaners, and pesticides are typical examples. When disposed of in the municipal solid waste stream or otherwise improperly managed, these materials have the potential of contaminating the ground water - our drinking water supply.

The government does not regulate hazardous wastes generated in the home. In Florida, household hazardous waste collection centers have been established in most communities. Every county in the state of Florida has a household hazardous waste (HHW) program. These programs include permanent collection facilities (one or multiple, staffed and unstaffed), collection events (regularly scheduled or once/twice a year events), and even a few curbside collections.

Visit your local household hazardous waste program website (either your county or city) for advice and collection schedules.

  • For your nearest drop-off location, visit Earth 911 or call 1-800-CLEANUP
  • Rechargeable batteries & cell phones: For your nearest recycling drop-off location, visit RBRC or call 1-877-2RECYCLE.

The department encourages county HHW programs to develop standard operating procedures to ensure the safe operation of HHW programs and compliance with applicable regulations.

The Florida Legislature initiated the Hazardous Waste Collection Center Grant Program to encourage the establishment of a statewide network of local hazardous waste collection centers. These facilities are intended to provide free collections of non-regulated hazardous waste from households and to provide short-term storage of potentially hazardous waste generated by small businesses. Also, the public awareness component of a collection not only helps residents to better understand and manage their household hazardous waste but may help them to learn to reduce the volume they generate.


Hazardous Waste Resources

Hazardous Waste Management Main Page

Last Modified:
March 18, 2024 - 2:28pm

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