Household Hazardous Waste

New technology not only provides us with gadgets, cool electronics, cleaning products, etc. products that make our lives more enjoyable and manageable. However, if we are not happy with the results we get from using these products, we cannot simply toss them in our garbage where they will end up in our landfill. Most of these products are considered household hazardous waste (HHW) because of their chemical content, and should be disposed of properly at one of Broward County’s two drop-off locations. Practicing proper disposal of HHW will help protect our natural resources and our drinking water supply.

Examples of household hazardous waste include:

• Paint, paint thinners, and strippers
• Gas cylinders
• Pesticides and insecticides
• Antifreeze, used motor oil, gasoline solvents, and other automotive fluids
• Fluorescent light bulbs
• Car, mercury, and rechargeable batteries
• Fire extinguishers and flares
• Propane tanks
• Lawn and pool chemicals
• Household cleaners

If not properly disposed of, HHW can threaten and pollute our environment, make our waterways unsafe for fishing and recreation, harm marine life, and impact our health, water supply, and for many, our safety.

It is illegal to dump hazardous waste or anything else into a storm drain or catch basin. What many people do not realize is that water from a storm drain or catch basin does not go to the wastewater treatment plant. Instead, it flows directly into our waterways. If you witness someone illegally dumping something into a storm drain or catch basin, please call 954-828-8000 to report it.

Hazardous waste should not be put in or hidden in bulk trash piles for pickup. A propane tank or containers of liquids such as muriatic acid, gasoline, chlorine, etc. that are not visible in the bulk trash pile can burst when picked up by the heavy equipment used to remove bulk trash. This can burn, blind, or fatally injure a worker and damages equipment. It also spills on the ground and is then transported to local waterways via storm drains following a heavy rain.

Electronics Recycling

Broward County’s Waste and Recycling Services provides electronics recycling service to Broward County residents. Items such as computers, monitors, keyboards, mouses, terminals, printers, modems, cell phones, rechargeable batteries, televisions, and copiers are accepted. Business-generated waste is not accepted.

Safety Precautions for Household Hazards Waste Items

• Wear protective gloves.
• Do not mix products.
• Keep all items in their original containers with the lids tightly sealed.  If the items are not in their original containers, residents should clearly label each item to identify the contents inside.
• Put leaking products in a large plastic container and use a non-flammable absorbent, such as cat litter, to pack around leaking products.
• Do not smoke or place products near sources of heat.

Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off Locations

To safely dispose of household hazardous waste, Broward County Waste and Recycling Services offers two drop-off locations that are available to citizens free-of-charge with proof of residency.

North Area (Pompano)
2780 N. Powerline Road (North of Copans Road on the east side)
Hours of Operation: Every Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Items accepted:  Flammables, toxics, corrosives, and reactive waste.

South Area (Hollywood)
5601 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd. (West of I-95 on the north side)
Hours of Operation: Every Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Items accepted:  Flammables, toxics, corrosives, and reactive waste.