Environmental Center

Protecting the Environment 

Washington County’s Environmental Center provides residents with a free and convenient disposal of household hazardous waste, electronics and recyclables. Proof of residency, such as a driver's license, is required.



Tours Are Available!


Ever wondered about where all the household hazardous waste you drop off goes to? Now is your chance to find out! Come get a behind the scenes tour of the Washington County Environmental Center! Tours are open to groups of at least 5 people and no more than 25. Call 651-430-6655 for more information or to schedule a tour.

Household Hazardous Materials Accepted


The Environmental Center accepts a variety of materials and substances which are listed by category below.

Automotive and Recreation From Homes


  • Aerosol cleaners / degreasers / lubricants / starting fluid - empty aerosol cans may be placed in the garbage
  • Antifreeze
  • Brake fluid
  • Charcoal lighter fluid
  • Gasoline
  • Kerosene
  • Power steering fluid
  • Propane tanks
  • Rechargeable batteries
  • Transmission oil
  • Used motor oil and filters
Household Electronics Accepted
  • Cell phones
  • Computers
  • Computer monitors
  • DVD and VCR Players
  • Fax machines
  • Printers Peripherals (keyboards, mice, computer speakers, etc.)
  • TVs

Home Improvement and Construction


  • Concrete cleaner
  • Driveway sealer
  • Glue with solvents
  • Latex paint, liquid - dried latex paint may be placed in the garbage, leave lids off cans
  • Oil-based paint
  • Paint remover / stripper / thinner
  • Roofing tar
  • Stain / varnish
  • Wood preservatives

Other Household Items


  • Drain cleaner
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Fluorescent lights
  • Mothballs
  • Nail polish / remover
  • Oven cleaner
  • Partially filled aerosol cans - empty aerosol cans may be placed in the garbage
  • Polish with solvents
  • Some household cleaners (check label for words such as caution, warning, danger, and poison)
  • Spot removers
  • Mercury thermometers and thermostats
  • Used cooking oil

Yard and Garden From Homes


  • Bug spray
  • Fertilizer with weed killer
  • Insect / roach / ant killer
  • Pool chemicals
  • Rodent bait
  • Weed killer

Recycling


View information about accepted recyclables.

Sharps Disposal From Homes


The Environmental Center accepts sharps generated from households. Sharps are syringes, needles, and lancets. They will also be collected at one-day collection events. Please follow these steps before disposing of sharps:
  • Place sharps in a rigid container such as a plastic laundry detergent bottle, coffee can with the lid taped shut, or sharps container.
  • Put sharps in point first.
  • Label the container “Do not recycle: household sharps.”
  • Bring the container to the Environmental Center.
  • Keep sharps containers separate from all other waste.
  • When you arrive at the drop-off site, inform the staff that you have sharps for disposal.
  • Loose sharps are not accepted.