CHANGE IN SERVICES UNDER COVID-19 Effective Saturday, March 28, the Washington County Environmental Center is closed to comply with the Governor’s Executive Order. Hazardous waste, recycling, and food scraps (organics) drop-off services are suspended until further notice.  Washington County residents are encouraged to safely store their household hazardous waste until service resumes. Safe Household Hazardous Waste Storage:  Store out of the reach of children. Store in a dry place. Don’t let products freeze. Store away from heat or food sources. Store in original container and make sure the original label is intact. Do not mix products together. Batteries should be placed separately in a clear plastic bag OR place clear tape on both the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of batteries to prevent fires. 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.

Organics

 
Residents are now able to drop-off food scraps, paper towels, and more at the Environmental Center. Known as “organics,” these materials can be recycled into compost, a valuable resource that improves soil and decreases the need for fertilizers. Learn how to get started with organics drop-off. 

Sharps Disposal From Homes

The Environmental Center accepts sharps generated from households. Sharps are syringes, needles, and lancets. 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.