The Town offers free Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection events throughout the year as a partnership between the Health Department and Public Works Department. These events provide residents with a safe and convenient way to dispose of hazardous materials that cannot be placed in regular trash or recycling.

As dates are announced, they will be added to this page and to our website calendar. Be sure to subscribe for email notifications to receive an alert when events are added!

What is Household Hazardous Waste?

Household hazardous waste includes products that contain chemicals or materials that are potentially dangerous to people, animals, or the environment if not disposed of properly. These products are typically labeled with words such as "warning," "caution," "poison," "toxic," "flammable," or "corrosive."

Accepted Items

Automotive Products:

• Motor oil and oil filters
• Antifreeze
• Brake fluid
• Gas and gas mixtures
• Automotive batteries
• Car waxes and polishes

Paints and Solvents:

• Oil-based paints and stains
• Paint thinners and strippers
• Varnishes, shellacs, and lacquers
• Aerosol paints

Pesticides and Garden Chemicals:

• Insecticides and herbicides
• Weed killers
• Rat poison and rodenticides
• Fertilizers with pesticides

Household Cleaners:

• Oven cleaners
• Drain cleaners
• Toilet bowl cleaners
• Furniture polish
• Bleach and ammonia

Miscellaneous Items:

• Pool chemicals
• Mercury thermometers and thermostats
• Fluorescent light bulbs
• Rechargeable and button batteries
• Propane tanks
• Fire extinguishers

Items NOT Accepted

• Latex (water-based) paint - dry out and place in regular trash
• Alkaline batteries - place in regular trash
• Prescription medications - use drug take-back programs
• Sharps and medical waste
• Asbestos
• Radioactive materials
• Electronics (TVs, computers) - check for electronic waste recycling options
• Smoke detectors - place in regular trash
• Tires*
• Appliances

*You can now dispose of tires at our monthly Not Your Average Cardboard Recycling Events at the DPW. 

Preparation Guidelines

• Keep items in their original containers when possible
• Do not mix different products together
• Make sure containers are sealed and won't leak during transport
• Place containers in a box or crate for safe transport
• Transport items in your trunk or truck bed, not inside the passenger area

Year-Round Alternatives

Paint Recycling: Dried latex paint can be disposed of in your regular trash. Pour cat litter or sawdust into the can to speed drying, or leave the lid off until hardened.

Batteries: Some retailers accept rechargeable batteries for recycling. Check with local hardware stores or electronic retailers.

Motor Oil: Many auto parts stores and service stations accept used motor oil for recycling.

Why Proper Disposal Matters

Improper disposal of household hazardous waste can contaminate water supplies, harm wildlife, and pose risks to sanitation workers. By participating in HHW collection events, you help protect public health and the environment.

Questions?

For more information about household hazardous waste disposal, contact:

Health Department: 781-751-9220

Dept. of Public Works: 781-751-9350

For additional recycling and disposal resources, visit Mass DEP's Household Hazardous Waste webpage.