Household Hazardous Waste Events

Residential household hazardous waste (HHW) collection is held the first Saturday of each month from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Department of Public Works, 10430 Audie Lane, La Plata.

Please remain in your vehicle until it is your turn to unload.

Improper disposal of leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients can pollute the environment and pose a threat to human health. Latex Paint is not toxic and once solidified can be disposed of in your household trash.

Items Accepted Free of Charge Include:

• Automotive fluids (transmission fluids, brake fluid, etc.)
• Batteries - rechargeable and lithium ONLY
• Cleaning supplies
• Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs)
• Degreasers
• Diesel Fuel
• Fertilizer
• Fluorescent tubes
• Gasoline
• Herbicides
• LED Light Bulbs
• Mercury
• Oil-based paint
• Pesticides
• Pool chemicals
• Rust removers
• Other poisons that are around your home

Items Not Accepted:

• Ammunition
• Bio/Medical wastes (sharps, needles, body fluids)
• Commercial hazardous waste
• Latex paint (Latex Paint is not toxic and once solidified can be disposed of in your household trash.)
• Prescription and non-prescription drugs (Prescription and non-prescription drugs can be dropped off at a participating "Drug Take Back" pharmacy, the Charles County Sheriff's La Plata and Waldorf Stations, 24 hours a day and at the Charles County Sheriff's Bryans Road Station by appointment for safe disposal. Liquids or syringes will not be accepted).

Please keep the materials in their original containers whenever possible and bring them to the collection site in cardboard boxes to ease unloading. Reusable containers will be emptied and returned. Commercially generated hazardous waste is strictly prohibited.

Alkaline batteries and used motor oil & antifreeze can be disposed of on a regular basis at one of the recycling centers or oil & antifreeze drop off sites.