Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste Properly

Household hazardous wastes are materials used in the home that can cause injury or are harmful if disposed of improperly. Examples include pesticides, fertilizers, motor oil, antifreeze, adhesives, drain cleaners, bleach, fluorescent bulbs, paint or solvents; never dump these items into a storm drain, open waterway or ditch. Storm drains discharge directly to streams without the benefit of treatment, unlike the drains inside homes and businesses that connect to the sanitary sewer system. Beyond posing a threat to our health and environment, such dumping is illegal. Some common household items contain hazardous materials, such as mercury (in old thermometers), and must be discarded in a responsible manner.

For proper household hazardous waste disposal information, call the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) at 614-871-5100. They offer several mobile drop off collection events as well as a permanent facility; check for locations, dates/hours, and accepted materials: Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste

While on their site, find out how to Recycle Right or reuse items such as: appliances, furniture & other bulk items, yard waste , car batteries, oil, gasoline, propane, building & construction materials, tires, books, styrofoam, prescription drugs, plastic bags, cds/dvds, cell phones.

Also, check the City of Columbus' Refuse Collection site for trash, yard waste, and bulk collection information, including the Waste Wizard tool.

National Take Back Day
Take unused/expired prescription & over-the-counter medications to a safe disposal location for proper disposal.

There are several permanent drop-off locations as well as Prescription Drug Take-Back Day events offered in April and October. Visit SWACO Pharmaceutical for locations and events.