Household Hazardous Waste

DID YOU KNOW...
Each year thousands of dogs and cats are poisoned by improperly discarded or leaking antifreeze? The sweet taste attracts pets. Bring antifreeze to the Alpha Ridge Landfill Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for recycling.

What are Household Hazardous Wastes (HHW's)?

Many of the products we use in our home and routinely throw away with our trash are considered HAZARDOUS WASTES. These products are similar to the regulated hazardous wastes produced by business and industry. Products which are corrosive (such as acids and alkalis), flammable, reactive or toxic (poisonous) can be found in most homes, garages and workshops. These products pose risks when used, stored or disposed of improperly.

Consider using less hazardous products instead.

Tip: Use white vinegar, salt and water for surface cleaning and baking soda as a toilet cleaner.

Detox your home with these easy alternatives, click here

Visit the EPA's Household Hazardous Waste website, click here

HHW Disposal - Please be Responsible!

To dispose of household hazardous wastes properly, bring your waste to the Drop-off Area from April-November (Saturdays Only).

Alpha Ridge Landfill
Residents' Convenience Area
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
2350 Marriottsville Road
Marriottsville, Maryland 21104

Residents using the Household Hazardous Waste Program are required to show their driver's licenses as proof of residence in Howard County each time they enter the landfill.

YES... we will accept the following HHW's

All Purpose Cleaners Batteries (rechargeable) Bathroom Cleaners Brake Fluids Degreasers Drain Cleaners Finishing Strippers Furniture Polish & Wax Fungicides Gasoline Herbicides

Metal Polish Mildew Removers Nail Polish Remover Oven Cleaners Paint* Paint Thinners Pesticides Photography Chemicals Rug Cleaners Rust Removers Scouring Powders

Solvents Spot Removers Swimming Pool Chemicals Transmission Fluids Upholstry Cleaners Wood Preservatives ...and other household chemicals....

* Useable 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.

Tip: Air dry or solidify paint by adding kitty litter, wood chips, sawdust, dirt or a paint hardening agent. Once the paint is solid, put it out with your regular trash.

SORRY... we can NOT accept the following materials:

Ammunition * Asbestos Commercial wastes Compressed gas tanks

Dioxins Explosives Fireworks Industrial wastes

Kepones Medical wastes PCB's Radioactive materials **

* For ammunition or explosive disposal, call the Office of the State Fire Marshall (Monday - Friday) for disposal at 410-653-8980.

** For further information, call the State of Maryland, Department of the Environment, Office of Radiological Health, at 410-537-3300.

What can I expect at the collection area?

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 unknown or unlabeled materials that you have brought. Based on their analysis, they will determine the proper packaging for transport and disposal of the hazardous materials.

Helpful hints for transporting HHW safely

• Bring materials in their original containers or packaging or in secure, clearly labeled, leak-proof containers.
• 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.
• DON'T mix or pour different or unknown materials together in the same container.

Tip: Even green, natural cleaners can be hazardous. Please also dispose of these products responsibly.

How Can I Be A Responsible Consumer?

Buy Responsibly

• Compare & read labels. Not all brands contain hazardous materials.
• Only buy what you need. 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.
• Use latex paint instead of oil-based paint.

Use Responsibly

• 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. If you have some left over, share it with your friends or neighbors or community groups.

Store Properly

• Keep hazardous materials OUT OF CHILDREN'S REACH, in a dry, secure place.
• Separate flammable, corrosive and poisonous products.
• Keep hazardous materials away from food and sources of heat or sparks.
• Store materials in their original containers with their labels intact.

Dispose Properly

• DON'T place hazardous wastes in trashcans or refuse containers for collection. These wastes may injure collection personnel, contribute to groundwater contamination from landfills 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 can be toxic to people and animals.
• DONT'T dump or bury household wastes.