HHW

Harris County holds approximately ten (10) one-day drop-off events for Household Hazardous Waste throughout Harris County each year. The events are typically held during the spring and fall season, and are free to all residents of Harris County.

Residents may bring household quantities of paint products, pesticides, fertilizers, motor oil, gasoline, pool chemicals, household cleaners, aerosols, batteries and automotive tires (5 per household).

Used electronics such as televisions, computers, word processors, printers, scanners, fax machines, cellular phones, VCRs, stereos and other small personal electronics are also accepted. Residents may bring up to five (5) of each of these items.

A mercury thermometer exchange is also held in conjunction with each of the events. Residents may bring a mercury fever thermometer for proper disposal and receive a FREE, non-toxic replacement.

Participants will receive information on less toxic alternatives to common hazardous household products and can also shop for FREE items at the reusable products booth located near the exit of the drop-off site!

Business waste, medical waste, ammunition, explosives, compressed gas cylinders, washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, photocopy machines, microwaves, or smoke detectors are NOT accepted at these events. Businesses may call the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Small Business and Local Government Assistance Hotline (800-447-2827) for information on proper disposal methods for hazardous waste. The hotline offers free, confidential technical assistance.

If you are not a Harris County resident, log on to http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/assistance/hhw/ContactsHHW.html to find your local HHW contact information and http://www.earth911.org/master.asp for drop-off locations.