Household Hazardous Waste

Ask the Waste Wizard to find out where and how to properly dispose of an item.

Items that are corrosive, flammable, explosive or poisonous are considered Household Hazardous Waste and WILL NOT be collected with your garbage or Blue Bin recycling.

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) must not be put in garbage or Blue Bin recycling, or poured down the drain, toilet or sewer.

universal corrosive symbol of skeletal hand — Corrosive

Universal flammable symbol of flames inside octagon — Flammable

universal poisonous symbol of skull and crossbones — Poisonous

Improper disposal of Household Hazardous Waste has negative effects on our environment and can be harmful to humans and animals.

Know what items in your home are considered Household Hazardous Waste and take proper care when disposing of them.

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) items

Collage of household hazardous waste items listed below.

Car and Garage Products

Antifreeze
Car batteries
Brake fluid
Body filler
Car wax with solvent
Motor oil (new and used)
Fuel (gasoline, diesel, kerosene)
Oil filters (new and used)
Windshield washer fluid

Personal Care Products

Alcohol-based lotions (aftershave, perfume, etc.)
Medication and vitamins
Nail polish and remover
Syringes and medical sharps must be put in a puncture-resistant sealed container
Non-empty aerosol cans

Household Cleaning Products

Ammonia-based cleaners
Abrasive powders
Bleach
Drain cleaners
Floor and furniture polish
Metal and oven cleaner
Disinfectants
Glass and mirror cleaner
Rug and upholstery cleaner
Silver polish

Pesticides and Garden Products

Poisons (ant, rat, bug, etc.)
Fertilizers
Fungicides
Insecticides
Weed killers (herbicides)

Paints, Solvents, Glue

Spray paint
Latex, oil and water-based paint
Paint strippers
Primers
Rust removers
Stains
Thinners
Turpentine
Wood preservatives
Glue

Please note: empty metal paint cans (with lids removed) can go in recycling.

Other

Air freshener
Batteries (all types)
Compact florescent lamps (CFLs)
Cooking oil
Fluorescent tubes
Propane/helium tanks
Swimming pool chemicals
Mercury thermometers
Lighter fluid

Proper Disposal Options

Free pick-up by the City (Toxic Taxi):
- Maximum of 50 litres/kilograms and minimum of 10 litres/kilograms per pickup (equivalent to 10 full standard household paint cans)
- Pickup must be prearranged. Call 311 to make an appointment
- HHW must be placed on private property not at the curb or on the sidewalk, boulevard or street
- Items must be at the front of the house/building
- Place items on the street address side of property whenever possible and advise where waste will be left for pick-up
- Liquid materials must be in a sealed, non-leaking container (e.g. paints must have a lid)
- Different material types need to be kept separate (e.g. batteries, paints, and light bulbs should not be mixed in one container)
- Containers must be labeled
Drop-Off Depots that accept HHW
Community Environment Days
- Disposal and limitations on items
Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority (for batteries, electronics, hazardous and special products)
Pharmacies for medication and needles
Product Care Association (for paints, solvents, fertilizers, pesticides)
Other battery recycling programs
Limitations on disposal of items

Those who live in apartment, co-op buildings or condominiums are encouraged to speak to their Property Manager about proper disposal.