Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste
What is Household Hazardous Waste?

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) is products used in and around the home that have one or more of the following characteristics:
  • Corrosivity
  • Toxicity
  • Flammability
  • Reactivity
Read the label to determine which products require special handling. Warnings such as "poisonous or toxic", "flammable or ignitable", or "corrosive" are indicators that the items should be properly disposed as HHW. Cleaners that contain strong acids, bleach, or ammonia are also hazardous.

Paint and paint products that are oil-based and require the use of paint thinner or mineral spirits are hazardous. Water-based paints are not hazardous and can be prepard at home for safe disposal with household trash. To prepare latex paint, mix paint with an absorbent such as cat litter, sawdust, or commercial paint hardener. Once the paint is solidified, place it in a trash bag and set it out on regular collection day. View the Paint Disposal Flyer for information on how to handle unwanted paints.
Annual Household Hazardous Waste Event
The Manistee Conservation District hosts a drop-off event each year on the 3rd Saturday of August at the Manistee County Road Commission. The event is open to residents of Manistee County only. Hazardous waste will not be accepted from businesses with the exception of pesticides from agri-businesses, greenhouses, nurseries, and golf courses.

Also accepted at the HHW event are:
 - Electronic devices
 - Computers and computer accessories
 - Appliances
 - Medications

Unacceptable items include:
 - Latex paint
 - Cans of dried up paint
 - Household trash
 - Styrofoam
 - Tires

Check the HHW Brochure for a complete list of acceptable and unacceptable items and event details.