Household Hazardous Waste Disposal

Household Hazardous Waste

Berks County Residents Only

(Identification and registration is required)

Where to Go?

Saturday, April 13, 2024
Governor Mifflin Intermediate School
600 Governor Drive

Shillington, PA 19607

8:00 am – Noon

Rain or Shine

This event is FREE to all Berks County residents. Pre-Registration is required.

Absolutely no Latex Paint will be accepted.

Should you have any questions, please refer them to the Berks County Solid Waste Authority at (610) 478-6362 or visit their website at: www.co.berks.pa.us/swa
 
What is Household Hazardous Waste? 
Household hazardous waste is any household product which is labeled: 

Caution, Danger, Flammable, Explosive, Toxic, Warning, Corrosive, Poison, Volatile or a combination of these characteristics. Look for warning or skull and crossbones on the label. 

Why Collect Household Hazardous Waste?
These collection days are intended to provide Berks County residents with a responsible way to dispose of old, unusable and unwanted hazardous products. Putting them in the trash or down the drain contributes to the pollution of our air and drinking waters. 

How to Bring Materials to the Collection Site?
  • Do not mix the materials
  • Tighten lids on all containers. If containers are leaking, pack in larger containers
  • Bring materials in original containers with labels, if possible
  • If not in original labeled container, please label container used. 
Acceptable Materials:
Oil Paints - Turpentine, wood preservatives, paint thinners and solvents, oil based paints, varnishes and stains.

Outdoors - Weed killers, pesticides, asphalt & driveway sealants, pool chemicals, herbicides & fungicides.

Automotive - Antifreeze, gasoline, transmission oil, motor oil, automotive paints, and finishes.

Household - Solvents, disinfectants, rug, oven & drain cleaners, button batteries, photographic chemicals, floor & furniture polish, lithium & NiCad batteries, fluorescent bulbs.

Do Not Bring:
  • Joint & caulking compound
  • Organic peroxides
  • Gas cylinders
  • Explosives & ammunition
  • Radioactive waste
  • Infectious or medical waste
  • Water-based sealants
  • Paint: latex, water-based, or acrylic will not be accepted. Dry paint can go in the regular trash. Follow these steps to get rid of it safely:
  1. If there is less than an inch of paint in the can, remove the lid and air dry.
  2. If there is more than an inch of paint in the can, mix the paint with cat litter and let it solidify. You can also use a paint hardener according to directions.
  3. Throw the can of dried paint in the garbage. Remove the lid, but do not take the paint out of the can.