Household Hazardous Waste
To aid citizens in the proper and safe disposal of household hazardous waste materials, Wake County owns and operates household hazardous waste collection centers through a contract with Clean Harbors, Inc. This service is open to all Wake County residents. These collection centers are located at:
To locate other organizations that accept hazardous waste material, visit Trash Takers.
Acceptable Materials
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acids / bases
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batteries
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cooking oil
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drain openers
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fire extinguisher (dry chemical only)
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florescent light bulbs
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household cleaners and polishes, furniture strippers
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lighter fluid / fuel oil / kerosene / used motor oil / antifreeze
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photographic chemicals
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paints* / lacquers
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pesticides / herbicides / poisons
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solvents / thinners
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wood preservatives
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mercury thermometers
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propane tanks
*Dried latex paint can be safely disposed of with household garbage. Dry it out by mixing in some kitty litter, sawdust, or sand and allowing it to dry out thoroughly in the sun. Stir the mixture to ensure that it is completely dried out. The paint and can may be thrown out with your trash as long as the lid is removed. (NOTE: All oil based paints should be taken to household hazardous waste.)
Unacceptable Materials
- infectious or medical wastes
- hypodermic needles or syringes
- commercially generated hazardous waste
- everyday trash and recyclables
- radioactive materials, including smoke detectors
- explosives or shock sensitive materials and ammunition
- unknown materials
For further information regarding household hazardous waste, visit the Triangle J Council of Government's web page.