Ah, springtime is coming. Time for spring cleaning. And what happens when we clean the basement, in the garage and under the sink? We often come across things like paint, motor oil, and cleaners. Can they go in the trash or are they considered household hazardous waste (HHW)?

Products around the home that contain chemicals which are toxic, flammable, corrosive, or reactive are hazardous household products. These products are safe when used and stored following label direction. However, when the products become unusable and are no longer wanted, they become household hazardous waste.

Facility

Until recently, the best option for disposing of household hazardous waste in our area was to wait for collection days organized by various government entities and non-profits. In 2013, through a partnership with the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District, a permanent household hazardous waste collection facility opened on the grounds of the at Lemay Wastewater Treatment Plant:
291 E Hoffmeister
St. Louis, MO 63125

Residents of Jefferson County, St. Louis County and the City of St. Louis are encouraged to take advantage of this facility. Additional locations are anticipated to open in the coming years.

Further Information

For more information including what you can drop off, visit the Saint Louis Household Hazardous Waste website. While on the site, make sure to learn about ways to reduce and reuse household hazardous waste materials so you don’t have to make the trip too often.