To protect refuse workers and prevent landfill contamination, hazardous items such as oil based paint, harsh chemicals and gasoline should be kept out of the regular trash.  Never put Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) in with your regular trash.

Dispose of HHW at Household Hazardous Waste weekend drop-off events held in the area. 
    •  The City of Columbus, in cooperation with the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO), holds at least one of these events annually.  For more information on these events, call (614) 871-5100 or visit www.swaco.org.

You can also drop off HHW, free-of-charge, at the Hazardous Waste drop-off location at 1249 Essex Avenue, Columbus, at the corner of E. 8th and Essex avenues.
    •  HHW drop-off location hours are:
           •  Wednesdays Noon to 6 p.m.
           •  Thursdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
           •  Fridays Noon to 6 p.m.
           •  Closed on Holidays 

For more information, call (614) 871-5100 or visit www.swaco.org.

What is Household Hazardous Waste?

Household Hazardous Wastes are household products that can cause injury or are harmful if not used, stored or disposed of properly.  There are many things in your home that can be dangerous if they are not disposed of properly. The average household in Franklin County creates 15 pounds of hazardous waste every year. Hazardous materials must not be put with regular trash because they can harm trash collectors and create environmental problems. These chemicals pose a threat to people (particularly children, refuse workers and firefighters) pets and our environment. Soil and water pollution can result from improper disposal of HHW.

Household Hazardous Waste includes, but is not limited to:

DO:

    •  Read the label. Some products have directions for proper use, storage and disposal on the label.
    •  Consider safer products. Baking soda makes a good scouring powder. Cedar shavings and aromatic herbs can replace mothballs.
    •  Choose the least hazardous product and buy only what you need.
    •  Try to use up the product. If you have some left, give it to a friend or neighbor to be used up.
    •  Store them carefully because many products are dangerous for children and pets. Keep products in their original containers.
    •  Take used motor oil and car batteries to local recycling centers.
    •  Save them for free Hazardous Waste Disposal Days
    •  Take then to SWACO's Hazardous Waste Site (See above)

DON'T:

    •  Don't flush them down the toilet, tub, sink or sewer. This may contaminate our water supply.
    •  Don't dump them on the ground.
    •  Don't throw them away with regular trash.
    •  Don't burn them.
    •  Don't store them where children or pets can reach them.
 

LATEX PAINT is no longer accepted at SWACO HHW Collections.
(This product, once dried, is not considered hazardous and can be disposed of in the trash.)

Latex paint is water soluble and can be dried out for disposal in the trash. There are paint hardeners available in stores or you can mix the paint with cat litter or sawdust. Leave the lid off to speed up the process. When the paint is dry, throw it in with your regular trash. Paint cans that are less than 1/4 full will dry out in a few days with no additives; please keep it in a location away from children and pets. Also consider passing it on, some schools or local theatres will take some small amounts of paint for scenery.

Useful Phone Numbers
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency - Hazardous Waste Info 644-2917
Questions about Household Hazardous Waste? 871-5100
OSU Extension - Franklin County has "recipes" for safe alternatives: 866-6900
For additional information, call the Columbus 311 Service Center: 645-3111

Call SWACO at (614) 871-5100  visit the SOLID WASTE AUTHORITY’S website at www.swaco.org for more information.
 
 

Can't find what you are looking for?

Check our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) or call (614) 645-3111

to talk to a 311 Service Center Representative.