Hazardous Materials: Not for the Regular Trash

A product is considered toxic if it causes serious injury or death when ingested, absorbed or inhaled. A product is considered flammable if it will ignite under most temperature conditions. A corrosive is a chemical or its vapors that wears away or causes deterioration of body tissues or other materials at the site of contact. Hazardous materials, such as toxic, flammable and corrosive products do not belong in your regular trash nor are they recyclable.

The best alternative is to find non-toxic substitutes for household cleaning products. Several local stores carry these safer products and there are numerous books available on simple homemade solutions. When no acceptable alternative exists, purchase only the amount you will use and follow the instructions carefully. Be sure to store products away from children and pets.

In general, hazardous materials should never be mixed together, never flushed down the toilet, never poured on the ground or down a storm drain and never buried.

Montgomery County has a drop-off program for hazardous materials, which should be in the original containers or in secure, leak-proof, clearly labeled containers. If a container leaks it should be placed in a larger container and packed with an absorbent material such as cat litter. For schedule contact Montgomery County at 240-777-6400. You may also wish to visit the Montgomery County website at: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/dep/solidwaste/collectionservices/index.asp

The following materials are accepted:

• Insecticides (Chlordane, DDT, Malathion, Sevin, Arsenic, etc.)
• Herbicides
• Other pesticides (used for control of rodents, fungi, snails, mites, etc.
• Fertilizers with herbicides
• Paint thinners and solvents
• Oil-based paints
• Swimming pool chemicals
• Unwanted fuels (gasoline, kerosene)
• Photographic chemicals
• Used motor oil
• Brake fluid and antifreeze
• Car batteries

The following CAN NOT be accepted:

• Button batteries (used in watches, hearing aids, calculators)
• Household alkaline batteries (used in toys, flashlights, radios)
• Latex paint -- allow to dry out in a safe, ventilated area, put in the trash
• Commercial, industrial, or medical wastes (including biologically active wastes). In Montgomery County, call the Dept. of Environmental Protection (240) 777-7770.
• Radioactive materials -- for information call (410) 631-3300, State of Maryland, Air & Radiation Management Administration.
• Asbestos -- should only be removed by a trained contractor. For further information call Montgomery County Dept. of Environmental Protection (240) 777-7770
• Explosives
• Compressed gas cylinders
• Shock-sensitive materials
• Dioxins, Kepones
• Unknowns (items without any clear identification

• Your Pickup Schedule: What to Put Out and When
• Holiday Collection Schedule
• Precycling: Reducing Waste Before Purchase
• Yard Trimmings: Leaves, Grass, and Branches
• Composting: Making Friends of Earthworms
• Glass: What Is and What Isn't Recyclable
• Metals Containers: Just Rinse & Recycle
• Appliances: CFC's And You
• Plastics: Expanded Beyond Bottles
• Got Milk? You can now recycle the container!
• Paper: Newspaper, Cardboard and Junk Mail
• Computer and Electronics Recycling
• Compact Flourescent Bulbs: Recycle - Don’t Break
• Hazardous Materials: Not For the Regular Trash
• Motor Oil and Antifreeze: For the Do-It-Yourselfers
• Dumpsters & Storage Pods - Permit Required
• Donations: Trash to Treasure
• City, County and State Telephone Numbers
• Map to Public Works Department