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Household Hazardous and Special Waste

Household Hazardous and Special Waste (HHSW) materials are substances which may be harmful to people, animals and the environment if disposed of improperly. HHSW materials are not to be placed in the garbage or poured down the drain.

What is household hazardous and special waste?

Household hazardous and special waste (HHSW) is found in every home and includes fluorescent lights, batteries, cleaners, paints and solvents, motor oil, and chemicals.  Please see “Accepted Household Hazardous and Special Waste Materials” for a complete list of materials.
 
The average home uses 20-40 litres of hazardous products each year. Knowing which products are hazardous can help you protect yourself, your family and the environment. Look for these symbols to identify hazardous products so that they can be used, stored and disposed of properly.

Corrosive: Can cause burn to your skin and eyes

Toxic:  Can be lethal of swallowed or inhaled

Reactive: May explode and produce deadly vapours

Flammable: May catch fire; keep away from open spark/flame

Commercial, Agricultural, Industrial Wastes, PCB’s Infectious or Radioactive wastes and Containers with a volume of greater than 30 litres are NOT accepted at the Bruce County Collection Events.

How can I dispose of my Household Hazardous and Special Waste?

Each year the Bruce County Highways Department organizes events throughout the County for the collection of Household Hazardous and Special Waste materials from residents.   Bruce County 's 2012 HHSW Event Collection Schedule. 

The Bruce County Highways Department partners with Stewardship Ontario to provide residents with the Household Hazardous and Special Waste Program (also known as the Orange Drop program).  For more information about the Orange Drop program please visit www.makethedrop.ca

 

 

 Things to Remember:

  • Buy only what you need
  • Use it all up
  • Divert
  • Safely dispose of the rest

For more information regarding the recycling and disposal of hazardous waste please see “Is Your Hazardous Waste Going to the Right Place?” and“HHSW Frequently Asked Questions”