NEW! Join the Town of Cary and Wake County on May 19, 2012 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a special "one-stop-drop" collection event for electronics and household hazardous waste. Learn more.

Corrosive products burn the skin. Examples are oven cleaners, bleach and auto batteries

• Reactive wastes give off toxic gases. An example is chlorine.
• Toxic household items include pesticides, herbicides and antifreeze.
• Ignitable wastes include gasoline, turpentine, motor oil and other flammable materials.
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These products should not be disposed of with ordinary trash. They may damage protective liners in landfills that keep waste from leaking into groundwater. They may also harm solid waste collectors or landfill employees.

The best method of managing household hazardous waste is to prevent its generation. Select the least toxic item to do the job and buy only the minimum amount necessary. An example of a less toxic cleaning product is a paste of baking soda and water for cleaning the oven.

Town of Cary solid waste customers who need to dispose of used motor oil and filters can call the Public Works and Utilities Department at (919) 469-4090 to arrange a curbside pickup at no extra charge.

Options to recycle compact fluorescent lights.

If the hazardous material is still useable (has not been damaged/shelf life has not expired, etc.), check with friends and neighbors to see if they might be able to use it.

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) may also be taken to the following Wake County HHW Collection Centers:
Full list of acceptable material.

North Wake Solid Waste Management Facility
9307 Deponie Drive
Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

South Wake Solid Waste Management Facility
6130 Old Smithfield Rd.
Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.


Moving or Cleaning? Handling Household Hazardous Waste with Care (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)