Household Hazardous Waste
Thank you to all who safely disposed of their household hazardous waste at our 2023 event. Watch this page for updates on the next event. Find information on how you can take back materials to depots year round.
Household hazardous waste is anything with a warning symbol on the label (such as flammable, corrosive, explosive, or poisonous), as well as anything unidentifiable.
Some of the most common examples include:
- Paint and solvents
- Automotive wastes (motor oil, antifreeze, etc.)
- Electronics (TVs, cell phones, mp3 players, etc.)
- Mercury-containing wastes (switches, fluorescent lighting, thermometers, etc.)
- Batteries; aerosols and propane cylinders
- Cleaning agents and caustics
- Radioactive waste
- Appliances containing refrigerant (fridges, freezers, etc.)
These types of items are not accepted in municipal waste or recycling collection and should never be dumped down drains and sewers, buried, thrown in the garbage, or dumped illegally. Additionally, do not leave these items in your home, garage, or yard, as they can leach into soil and water, or harm people and animals.
It is important to dispose of these items carefully, via participating depots or programs, or at the Household Hazardous Waste Plus Collection Event held in the fall.
Remember, when it comes to household hazardous waste materials, never:
- Pour them down the drain or on the ground
- Dump them into the storm sewer
- Discard them in the garbage
- Bury them
Municipal sewage systems and private septic systems cannot filter or remove these products from our wastewater, which would allow hazardous substances to enter waterways. Burying these items can lead to groundwater contamination.
If your product label contains one of the following warning symbols, or you suspect it to be hazardous, it must be disposed in a safe and responsible manner:
How to dispose of household hazardous waste
Residents are encouraged to visit local drop-off depots for hazardous waste items. Many items can be disposed of year-round and free-of-charge. Instead of waiting for the yearly collection event, check the following resources to find drop-off options most convenient to you:
- Search the Recycling Council of British Columbia website or call the recycling hotline at 604-RECYCLE (732-9253) for general information on household hazardous waste and where it can be disposed.
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs provide residents with free and convenient drop-off options for batteries, small appliances, tires, and more, all year long.
- Looking to dispose of motor oil, filters, antifreeze, or their containers? Visit interchangerecycling.com.