Got a mercury-containing fever thermometer? Trade it in! Bring your mercury thermometer to a Household Hazardous Waste collection and receive a free digital fever thermometer. One per household while supplies last.
Some of your household products may be considered hazardous materials. Improper disposal of these hazardous materials may harm the environment and/or human health. We have a staffed Household Hazardous Waste receiving area (open daily: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Sunday) at the Transfer Station, in addition to the conveniently located satellite collections -- both are free of charge!
This Household Hazardous Waste program is open to Montgomery County residents with home-generated hazardous waste. All patrons must present valid identification in the form of:
Driver's License and vehicle registration
When a business cleans up a residence and takes possession of Household Hazardous Waste in the process, that waste becomes its hazardous waste and it must pay to dispose of this material through the Ecowise program, provided it meets the program's quantity requirements.
Shady Grove Solid Waste Transfer Station
The Household Hazardous Waste receiving area at the Transfer Station is located in the recycling drop-off section of the Public Unloading Area.
open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Monday - Sunday) – no need to wait for special monthly collection events! Household Hazardous Waste can only be received during these hours -- please do not drop off this material at other times.
These hours are only for residents. Small businesses must use our Ecowise program.
Other County Satellite Collection Events:
Satellite collection events operate from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and are unable to accept material after 2:00 p.m. No appointment is needed.
No commercial vehicles or non-residential waste, please.
Subscribe to this page - we'll send you email and/or text message announcements when new collection events are added, and reminders before events.
What will be accepted at the Transfer Station or satellite collection sites:
Note: If you have over 15 gallons of liquid or 75 pounds of solid wastes, please call the Division of Solid Waste Services at 240-777-6400 so that special arrangements may be made, if necessary when you bring your waste to a drop-off location.
Please click on links for additional information and disposal alternatives. Smoke alarms are not hazardous waste.
Batteries containing nickel, cadmium, mercury, silver-oxide, lead or lithium.
Alkaline batteries may be put in with regular trash
Loose asbestos should only be removed by a trained contractor. For further information, call the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection at 240-777-7770.
Asbestos floor tiles and house shingles may be included in your regular trash, or taken to the Solid Waste Transfer Station. Separate them into a trash bag.
Purchase and use latex paint instead of oil-based paint whenever possible.
Store different types of hazardous materials separately from each other.
Follow recommended uses and precautions on labels.
Keep children and pets away from hazardous materials.
Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Wear protective eye glasses, gloves and clothing when handling hazardous materials.
Recycle used motor oil at a participating service station or the waste oil recycling center at the Montgomery County Solid Waste Transfer Station during regular business hours.
Recycle car batteries and antifreeze at the Montgomery County Solid Waste Transfer Station during regular business hours.
Please DON'T:
Mix hazardous materials together.
Flush hazardous wastes down the toilet.
Pour hazardous wastes down household drains, storm drains, or on the ground.
Bury wastes in your yard.
Purchase hazardous products when there is a non-hazardous alternative.
Purchase larger quantities of hazardous products than you will use.
Exceed recommended amounts of applications of any hazardous material.
