Household Hazardous Waste
Household hazardous waste includes Anti-freeze, Gasoline, Paints, Pesticides and Other Materials
How do I properly recycle/dispose of paint?
There are several options available to the public on disposal of paint. These options are as follows:
- Use all paint on the project at hand. This may mean putting on a third coat but it is better to do that than have the paint put in the garbage. Next, try to find someone who can use the paint. Places that may need paint could include a local theater group, school, Habitat for Humanity or other similar organization.
- Take paint to a household hazardous waste collection event if one is held in the area or a permanent collection site if one has been established in the community (City of Jackson and Jackson County have permanent sites). Click on the link below Jackson Metro HHW to view the tri-county household hazardous waste recycling facility servicing the Jackson Metro area.
- If the above options are unavailable, allow latex or water based paints to sit out and evaporate leaving the pigments in the bottom of the can. After this has been done, then leave the top off the can and place the can(s) out with the garbage. Latex or oil-based paints can also be mixed with oil dry, saw dust, or kitty litter which will soak up the paint. The material can then be placed in a plastic bag and put in the garbage.
- The last alternative is to store the paint for touch-ups or other projects. Although these are good intentions for keeping and storing paint, the paint is rarely used. If this option is used, follow these easy tips to make the paint last longer when it is finally needed. First clean the area of the paint top and cover so that there will be a good seal. Next cover the opening with one or two layers of plastic wrap. Then place the lid on securely so the paint doesn’t leak. Finally, turn the paint can upside down!! This will create a tight seal, and will keep the paint fresh for the next time it is needed. As a final measure, mark on the paint can the room in the house where that color was used in the event it is actually used do touch-ups.
To find out more about safe use, storage and disposal practices; dangers of improper disposal; and reduction and alternatives for household hazardous waste, click on the Guide to Household Hazardous Waste link below.
How do I properly recycle/dispose of pesticides and other similar hazardous wastes?
These are very difficult materials to manage no matter where one lives. Here are several options:
- Try to find someone in the neighborhood or community who can use the pesticides or any other hazardous materials for the purpose they were intended.
- Take pesticides or other hazardous materials to a household hazardous waste collection event if one is held in the area or a permanent collection site if one has been established in the community (City of Jackson and Jackson County have permanent sites). Click here on Jackson Metro HHW to view the tri-county household hazardous waste recycling facility servicing the Jackson Metro HHW area.
To find out more about safe use, storage and disposal practices; dangers of improper disposal; and reduction and alternatives for household hazardous waste, click on the Guide to Household Hazardous Waste link below.
How do I properly recycle/dispose of old gasoline?
- Allow the old gasoline to evaporate in a well ventilated area such as the backyard until all the fuel is gone.
- Mix very small quantities of old gasoline with the regular gasoline and slowly burn it off in a lawn mower or similar engine. A ratio of 1 part old gasoline to 20 parts of good gasoline is suggested.
- Take the old gasoline to a household hazardous waste collection event if one is held in the area or a permanent collection site if one has been established in the community (City of Jackson and Jackson County have permanent sites). Click below on Jackson Metro HHW to view the tri-county household hazardous waste recycling facility servicing the Jackson Metro area.
How do I properly recycle/dispose of antifreeze?
Antifreeze is generally one of the most difficult items to dispose of properly. In addition, antifreeze is extremely toxic to pets and other animals. The best option is to first purchase the new environmentally safe antifreezes that are now on the market. Otherwise contact the nearest car dealership, or automotive repair shop to see if they’ll take and recycle antifreeze. Antifreeze can also be taken to a household hazardous waste collection event if one is held in the area or a permanent collection site if one has been established in the community (City of Jackson and Jackson County have permanent sites). The only other option is to pour the antifreeze down the sink drain followed by several gallons of water. This is not advisable if the house in connected to a septic tank. Click below on Jackson Metro HHW to view the tri-county household hazardous waste recycling facility servicing the Jackson Metro area.
