Cleaning Out the Cupboards

Many of us may have old paint cans, used cleaning supplies, solvents, expired medicines and other waste laying around the house that we want to think twice about before throwing in the trash. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Recycling and Litter Prevention, the average home can accumulate as much as 100 pounds of hazardous waste. Luckily, there is a place to bring these items that will be disposed of properly! By getting rid of your household hazardous waste in an eco-friendly way, you are ensuring the safety of our waste haulers, avoiding accidental poisonings and preventing hazardous waste from being poured down the drain, which could eventually get into our clean water supply.

Residents of Hamilton County can take advantage of their Household Hazardous Drop-Off Program that runs from April 10-October 16, 2010. Participants much show proof of residency when dropping these items off.

Household hazardous waste can be dropped off at:
Clean Harbors
4879 Spring Grove Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45232
Tuesdays – 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Saturdays – 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Closed the following Saturdays: May 29, July 3, September 4
Acceptable items include:

  • Pesticides/Fertilizers
  • Solvents/Thinners
  • Lawn/Pool Chemicals
  • Cleaners
  • Household/Auto Batteries
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Propane Tanks
  • Oil-based paint
  • Mercury
  • Fluorescent Bulbs
  • Driveway Sealer
  • Gasoline/Motor Oil
  • Antifreeze
  • Thermostats

Please note that latex paint is not accepted in this program. It is safe to throw away with regular trash as long as it is in solid form. Dry out the paint by mixing it with kitty litter, saw dust or sand and leave the lid off to show your waste hauler that it is dry.

For non-Hamilton County Residents, please visit your county’s solid waste district website or give them a call to find out where you can drop off your household hazardous wastes.

Do your part and dispose of these materials in an environmentally responsible way!