Hazardous Waste Disposal

What is considered household hazardous waste?

The EPA defines household hazardous waste as "leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients."

Corrosive
Materials that can cause skin damage to people or any substance that can significantly corrode metal. Such items: bleach, ammonia, various household cleaners.

Toxic
Materials that are poisonous, as in causing illness or death. Such items: antifreeze and gasoline.

Ignitable
Materials that have the potential to ignite during routine handling due to friction or heat sources, or contact with other chemicals. Alcohol is a prime example.

Reactive Ingredients
Materials that tend to react spontaneously during routine handling. Can react vigorously with air or water, is unstable to shock or heat, can generate toxic gases, or explode. Mixing bleach and ammonia is a common reactive combination that will expel a toxic gas.

Can I put paint cans in the trash?

You can dispose of latex paint in the regular trash if done in a proper manner. Add equal parts of kitty litter to latex paint in the can. The mixture must be of equal parts in order to dry out the paint, one part paint to one part kitty litter. If you have more than half a can of paint, you can pour the paint into a lined cardboard box and then pour in the cat litter. You can also buy paint hardener at any local hardware store to do the same effect.

How do I properly dispose of medical syringes?

The growing number of patients self-injecting medications at home has led to more improper disposal of syringes in landfills. Pinal County Public Works suggest the following as a proper method of disposal.

Please place syringes in a plastic puncture-proof container such as a laundry detergent bottle. Tape the lid close with duct tape for added security. Then please write 'Sharps', and 'Not for Recycle' on the container and then place the sealed bottle in the trash.

Bottom Line

If ever you are unsure about certain items, it is best to determine them as hazardous for precaution. You can find locations that specifically take household hazardous waste. Properly disposing of such items prevents harmful effects to our environment, community, and loved ones.

In Pinal County, there is a location where household hazardous waste can be properly disposed of. Heritage Environmental Services is located at 284 E. Storey Road, Coolidge Az 85128.

• Hours of operation: 7 am - 2 pm, Monday through Friday.
• Hazardous materials are $1.00 per pound.
• Non-hazardous materials are $0.50 cents per pound.
• They only take check or money order as form of payment.

Please feel free to call with any questions at 520-723-4167. Heritage Environmental Services will take such general items but not limited to: Aerosol products, ammonia, antifreeze, auto fluids, auto batteries, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), drain cleaners, fertilizer, fire extinguishers, fireworks, flares, fluorescent tubes, gasoline, herbicides, household cleaners, insecticides, isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), kerosene, lawn chemicals, lighter fluid, mercury thermometers, motor oil, nail polish/remover, paint, pesticides, photo chemicals, pool chemicals, propane tanks, rechargeable batteries, rust remover, solvents, spot remover, turpentine, weed killer, wood stain, wood stripper, etc.

We highly recommend calling with questions prior to bringing certain items.

Have non-hazardous household trash you need to dispose of?

Most HOA subdivisions have the opportunity to schedule a bulk trash pickup date one time per month.  Contact your HOA or your trash company directly for assistance.

There are also several places throughout Pinal County where San Tan Valley residents can take their trash.  Click here to check out the San Tan Valley Business Directory for a list of those businesses.  Please note that these are private businesses and they do charge fees for their services.