Household Hazardous Waste

The 2020 Household Hazardous Waste Event took place on September 18 & 19

Did you attend the 2020 Household Hazardous Waste Event?

Click here to take a 2-minute survey!

The City of Durango and La Plata County partnered to host a household hazardous waste event in 2020. The event saw over 700 attendees responsibly dispose of hazardous waste.

Thank you to our partners:

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2020 HHW Collection

What is Household Hazardous Waste?

HHWHousehold hazardous waste (HHW) includes products that contain toxic, corrosive, highly reactive or flammable materials. If disposed of improperly, hazardous waste can pollute ground or surface water and pose a threat to wildlife and human health.

Never pour hazardous substances down the drain, on the ground or in the storm drain.

Many household products such as paint, cleaners, oils, batteries and pesticides can contain hazardous ingredients and require special care when you dispose of them.

Typical household hazardous wastes include:

  • Automotive care products and fluids
  • Cleaning products
  • Expired medications
  • Fluorescent bulbs
  • Household batteries
  • Insect / weed killers
  • Mercury thermometers and thermostats
  • Non-latex paints and solvents

Latex Paint Recycling

Latex paint can be recycled throughout the year at Paint Care participating locations. Click here for more information.

Use the DurangoRecycles.com "What Goes Where" tool to find out how to responsibly dispose of almost anything!

Reducing HHW in Your Home

  • Check the ingredients of products before bringing them into your home - consider reducing your purchase of products that contain hazardous ingredients
  • When shopping for household cleaning supplies and pest control, consider buying environmentally friendly, natural products - use the EPA Safer Choice guidelines to help identify safer productsNatural Cleaning
  • Try out simple recipes you can use to create your own natural and effective cleaning products at home
  • If you do need to purchase a product containing hazardous substances, buy only as much as you need and either use it up yourself or offer to friends and family who can make use of what you don’t.

Safe Management of HHW

  • DO NOT pour hazardous substances down the drain or in the toilet, on the ground or in the storm drain
  • Always store hazardous substances safely in their original containers. Never store hazardous products in food containers
  • Never mix hazardous substances with other products. Incompatible products might react, ignite, or explode and contaminated HHW may be unrecyclable
  • Follow package instructions for use, storage and disposal.