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Corrosive, flammable, reactive or toxic products, found in most homes, garages & workshops, are considered Household Hazardous Waste (HHW). These products pose risks if used, stored or disposed of improperly.
Proper care is essential when dealing with Household Hazardous Waste.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Resumes April 2
Saturdays ONLY (April through November) from 8am to 4pm at the Alpha Ridge Landfill located at 2350 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, Maryland 21104. Residents using the HHW program are required to show their drivers licenses as proof of residence in Howard County.
Saturdays ONLY (April through November) from 8am to 4pm at the Alpha Ridge Landfill located at 2350 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, Maryland 21104.
Residents using the HHW program are required to show their drivers licenses as proof of residence in Howard County.
| All Purpose Cleaner | Gasoline | Photography Chemicals |
| Batteries (rechargeable) | Herbicides | Rug Cleaners |
| Bathroom Cleaners | Kerosene | Rust Removers |
| Brake Fluids | Metal Polish | Scouring Powders |
| CFL bulbs and tubes | Mildew Removers | Solvents |
| Degreasers | Nail Polish Remover | Spot Removers |
| Drain Cleaners | Oven Cleaners | Swimming Pool Chemicals |
| Finishing Strippers | Paint* | Transmission Fluids |
| Furniture Polish & Wax | Paint Thinners | Upholstery Cleaners |
| Fungicides | Pesticides | Wood Preservatives |
* Usable latex paint that is collected at the Alpha Ridge Landfill will be donated to local non-profit organizations. Call 410-313-6444 if your organization wishes to receive donated paint.
| Ammunition* | Dioxin | Kepones (an insecticide) |
| Asbestos | Explosives** | Medical waste* |
| Commercial waste | Fireworks** | PCB's |
| Industrial waste | Radioactive materials*** |
* Visit our Know Before You Throw webpage for how to dispose of these items.
** For explosives and fireworks, call the State Fire Marshall Office of Bomb Squad (Monday - Friday, 8am to 4pm) at 410-859-7152.
*** For radioactive materials, call the State of Maryland, Department of the Environment, Office of Radiological Health at 410-537-3300.
- Even green, natural cleaners can be hazardous. Please also dispose of these products responsibly.
- DON'T mix different or unknown materials together in the same container.
- Bring materials in their original container or in a secure, clearly labeled, leak-proof container.
- Make sure lids are tight.
- Group similar materials to make unloading easier.
- If the container leaks, pack contents and container in a larger leak-proof package and use an absorbent material (such as cat litter) to soak up leaks.
When arriving at the Residents' Convenience Area, you will be directed to the HHW drop off area and asked to move your items to one of the analyzing tables.
On-site chemists will examine the materials. They may ask for your help in identifying any unlabeled materials that you have brought. Based on their analysis, they will determine the proper packaging for transport and disposal of the hazardous materials.
- Use white vinegar, salt and water for surface cleaning and baking soda as a toilet cleaner. Detox your home with these easy alternatives.
- Only buy what you need. If you have some left over, share it with friends, neighbors or community groups. Remember that the large economy size ends up costing more when you don't use it all and must dispose leftovers.
- Purchase non-toxic household cleaning products, or safer alternatives, whenever possible. Not all brands contain hazardous materials.
- Use latex paint instead of oil-based paint.
- Always read and follow all directions and precautions on labels.
- Never mix products unless directed. Some products are chemically incompatible and may react to cause fumes, fires, or explosives.
- Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Wear protective eyeglasses, gloves and clothing when handling hazardous materials.
- Use products for their intended purpose.
- Keep hazardous materials OUT OF CHILDREN'S AND PET'S REACH, in a dry, secure place.
- Separate flammable, corrosive and poisonous products.
- Keep hazardous products away from food and sources of heat or sparks.
- Store materials in their original containers with the labels intact.
- DON'T place hazardous wastes in trash cans or refuse containers. These wastes may injure collection personnel, contribute to groundwater contamination and damage collection containers or vehicles.
- DON'T flush hazardous wastes down household drains or storm drains. These wastes can ruin septic fields, pollute ground water or pass through municipal treatment systems to surface waters. Chemicals in these products are harmful to our water and can injure people and animals.
- DON'T dump or bury household wastes.
Hazardous Materials in the Work Place
The EPA's Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery (ORCR) announced the availability of an updated version of "Managing Your Waste: A Guide For Small Businesses."
This guide provides an overview of the federal hazardous waste regulations to give small business owners and operators a basic understanding of their hazardous waste management responsibilities. It answers questions like “Do hazardous waste regulations apply to me?” “How do I know which generator category I am?” and “What kinds of requirements do I have to follow?” This handbook will help small businesses get on the road to proper hazardous waste management, a critical step in protecting human health and the environment.