FAQs

What is household hazardous waste?
Click here for a long list of things in your house that are hazardous.


Where do I take my household hazardous waste?
Click here for the locations of the City's three Community Recycling Centres where you should take your household hazardous waste.


When are the Community Recycling Centres open so I can drop off my household hazardous waste?
Click here to find out when the Community Recycling Centres are open.


Is there a fee to dispose of Household Hazardous Waste?
No, there is not a fee to dispose of household hazardous waste if you are a Hamilton resident. You are allowed to dispose of up to 40 liters (10 gallons) of household hazardous waste each time you go.
Businesses should check the yellow pages under “Hazardous Materials” for a list of companies that dispose of hazardous waste.


What happens to my hazardous waste after I drop it off?
The items are reused, recycled or disposed of at a properly licensed facility.


Will someone come to my house and pick up my hazardous waste?
No. You have to take your hazardous waste to one of the City's three Community Recycling Centres.


Can I pick up any leftover hazardous waste at a Community Recycling Centre?
Yes. Each Community Recycling Centre has a 'reuse' shed that is open in the spring, summer and fall. Some materials like paints, pool chemicals and fertilizers are available free of charge. There is a two can limit on what you can take. There is no guarantee on what is available at any given time.


How do I dispose of a mercury thermometer?
Mercury thermometers should be taken to one of the City's three Community Recycling Centres.


Can I take asbestos to a Community Recycling Centre?
No. For a list of hazardous waste you can't take to a Community Recycling Centre, click here.


Who do I report illegal dumping and accidental spills of hazardous waste to?
Illegal dumping of hazardous waste should go to the Ministry of Environment (MOE) at:

• MOE Pollution Hotline 1-866-MOE-TIPS (1-866-663-8477)

Spills of hzardous waste should be be reported to:

• MOE Spills Action Center 1-800-268-6060
• City of Hamilton Sewer Use Control (905) 540-5188.

When reporting, note the date, time, location and any other details you can make note of.


Are there cleaners I can use that aren't hazardous?
Click here for a list of household cleaners that aren't hazardous.

Where can I dispose of fluorescent tubes and ballasts?
Fluorescent tubes and ballasts removed from the metal light box can be taken to one of the City's three Community Recycling Centres.