What is hazardous?
- paints and stains
- pool and spa chemicals
- pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers and poisons
- motor oil, antifreeze and other automotive fluids
- thinners and solvents
- household cleaners and disinfectants
- batteries
- art and hobby chemicals
- aerosol spray products
- sharps (medical syringes)
- propane tanks or bottles from barbecue grills
- compact fluorescent light bulbs or CFLs, fluorescent tubes and ballasts
- mercury-containing items such as thermometers and thermostats
More common hazardous products
Hazardous waste fees
Hazardous waste disposal is free for households. Businesses that generate small amounts of hazardous waste can apply for reduced cost disposal. Businesses must contact Metro and make an appointment before disposal.
Households can bring up to 35 gallons of hazardous waste, but may be charged for container sizes larger than 10 gallons. The 35-gallon limit is based on container size, not the quantity of material in the containers.
In order to accommodate as many customers as possible and to ensure operations are safe, Metro may have to reject loads containing more than 35 gallons. If you have a large load of material, please call ahead to discuss your options before loading your materials.
Disposing of hazardous waste
Never put hazardous waste down the sink, on the ground, down a storm drain or in your garbage can. Bring items to one of Metro's drop-off sites or a neighborhood collection event. Metro recycles most of the hazardous waste it collects and disposes of the rest in a specially designed landfill. Keep these items separate from garbage and recycling.
Drop off old paint free of charge at a Metro facility or a PaintCare collection center. Metro recycles latex paint and sells it in 5-gallon pails and 1-gallon cans.
Search Metro's online database for other hazardous waste disposal options near you.
If you live in Oregon outside Clackamas, Multnomah or Washington counties, call 1-800-RECYCLE (1-800-732-9253) for household hazardous waste information in your community.
How to prep your hazardous waste