Household Hazardous Waste Disposal

Some household items can be dangerous if not disposed of properly. Hazardous waste includes batteries, paint, chemicals, and pesticides—these should never go in the trash.

A hazardous waste disposal process

How to Dispose of Hazardous Waste

For Baltimore City Residents:

Drop off hazardous waste at the Sisson Street Recycling Center (2840 Sisson St.)

Collections run June-December, on the first Friday and Saturday of each month (dates may change for holidays).

Not Accepted:

Businesses & Commercial Users must use a private vendor.

Commercial Vehicles are not permitted.

Learn More from Maryland’s Environmental Department

Man unloading hazardous waste

Label Caution Symbols
 


Caution
A yellow triangle warning sign with a black border and an exclamation mark in the center, indicating caution or potential danger.

Corrosive
A triangular orange warning sign labeled "CORROSIVE," showing liquid damaging a hand.

Corrosive
A yellow triangular warning sign with a black flame symbol, indicating a flammable hazard.

Poison
A triangular warning sign with a skull and crossbones symbol labeled "POISON," indicating toxic or deadly substances.
Acceptable Hazardous Materials

Note: All materials must be in original packaging with manufacturer’s label. No unmarked or leaking containers will be accepted.
Automotive Fluids (antifreeze, transmission and power brake fluid, used motor oil)

  • Batteries
  • Antifreeze (glycols)
  • Household cleaning products
  • Fungicides/herbicides
  • Insecticides/pesticides
  • Oil paint
  • Paint thinners
  • Pool cleaners
  • Pool chemicals
  • Propane tanks
  • Rust removers
  • Solvents
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Thermometers
  • Turpentine (varnishes and stains)
  • Fluorescent light bulbs: We strongly urge residents to recycle fluorescent light bulbs at our Northwest Residential Recycling Center on household hazardous waste collection days.
Unacceptable Hazardous Materials

Note: All materials must be in original packaging with manufacturer’s label.  No unmarked or leaking containers will be accepted.

  • Photographic chemicals
  • Gasoline
  • Kerosene
  • Asbestos
  • Ammunition
  • Explosives
  • Acids (e.g. Sulfuric Acid)
  • Industrial wastes
  • Medical wastes
  • Radioactive materials
  Are there other ways to dispose of compact florescent light bulbs (CFL)?

Don’t want to wait? Some home improvement stores also offer a “Free Take Back” program for fluorescent light bulbs. Please check with retailers for program details.

How do I dispose of non-accepted materials?

If you have hazardous waste that cannot be disposed of at our Sisson Street Residential

Recycling Center, please review the Recycling Directory maintained by Maryland Recycles for private companies who may be able to assist; noting some charge a fee for their services.