Household Hazardous Waste

Hazardous products have labels that say “danger,” “caution,” “warning,” or “toxic.” Such wastes include, but are not limited to fertilizer, pesticides, batteries, old medications, solvents, paint thinner, oil-based paint, aerosol cans, mercury, and corrosives. Hazardous materials are best stored in the original labeled containers  and disposed of in accordance with the Genesee County Health Department. Options for disposal can be found in the Drop-Off Center Directory.

Best practice involves avoiding the use of hazardous material by utilizing natural alternatives. For example, vinegar and water can effectively replace store bought window cleaner!

Motor Home/Trailer Waste. Travel trailer sanitary waste can be collected at campground facilities. For a listing of disposal sites in Michigan, try RVDumps.

Hazardous Waste Disposal

Genesee County’s Michigan State University (MSU) Extension and the Genesee County Health Department host Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days numerous times each year.

Four recycle day events will be held May - August. For dates and times, visit the link above.

Appointment registration will open two weeks prior to each event at 9 AM. 

Please direct all questions to Recycle@geneseecountymi.gov

Acceptable Materials: Aerosols, automotive fluids, batteries (household/auto), biomedical sharps (in rigid/sealed container), corrosives (acids/bases), electronics (all kinds), fire extinguishers, fluorescent bulbs & tubes, mercury, oil bases & latex paints/solvents, pesticides & herbicides, prescription medication, propane cylinders (up to 30 lbs. each), reactives & oxidizers, and smoke detectors

Unacceptable Materials: 55 gallon drums of waste, agricultural tires & waste, ammunition, large or freon-containing appliances, commercial tires & waste, compressed gas cylinders (other than propane), construction materials, explosives & fireworks, garbage & yard waste, industrial tires & waste, paper for shredding, radioactive materials, tires, and weapons

Unacceptable Hazardous Waste Disposal

Can’t Wait Until the Next Collection Day or not accepted?
Here are some additional options for the disposal of household hazardous wastes:

Drop-Off Center Directory - Genesee County Metropolitan Planning Commission (gcmpc.org)

Genesee County Household Waste Drop-off Locations

Prescription Drugs - Controlled substance public disposal locations:

**Each location accepts different types of medications (controlled, solid, liquid, sharps/needles). Call location before visiting.**

- Bishop Pharmacy 2358 N Center Road Burton, MI

- Meijer G-2333 South Center Road Burton, MI

- Clio Community Pharmacy 4180 W Vienna Road Clio, MI

- Walgreens 901 S State Road Davison, MI

- Fenton Police Department 311 S Leroy Street Fenton, MI

- Flushing City Police Department 725 E Main Street Flushing, MI

- Benzer Pharmacy G3333 Beecher Road Flint, MI

- Town Center Pharmacy 1201 Flushing Road Suite 2 Flint, MI

- Meijer 2474 West Hill Road Flint, MI

- CVS 225 E State Street Montrose, MI

- Meijer Pharmacy 4141 Morrish Road Swartz Creek, MI

- Union Prescription Center 11830 N Saginaw Street Mount Morris, MI

If none of these are located in your area, go to FDA Drug Disposal: Drug Take Back Locations or EGLE Household Drug Take Back Web Map.

Latex Paint. Put either kitty litter or sand in equal portions to the paint, leave the top off and let it dry completely. Once the paint is completely dried out you can place cans in your regular garbage. Note: The top must be left off. If you have quite a bit of latex paint left, you can try calling on the theater groups downtown to see if they can use it. There is also FREE latex paint recycling at the Habitat for Humanity Restore located at 101 Burton Street, Flint, MI 48503.

Motor Oil. Tractor Supply Company accepts motor oil, hydraulic oil, gear oil, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid. This is a FREE service. For more information go to TSC Oil Recycling or call your local TSC store.

Electronics. Best buy offers electronic recycling. There is a limit is 3 items per household per day. Haul away options are available for larger items. If there is not a Best Buy near you a mail in option is available for a fee. For more information go to Best Buy Electronic Recycling or call your local Best Buy.

Batteries. Genesee County has tubes for FREE battery recycling located at the McCree Building (630 S. Saginaw Street, Flint, MI 48502), Administration Building (1101 Beach Street, Flint, MI 48502), and Genesee County Courthouse (900 Saginaw Street, Flint, MI 48502)

Make-up and other personal care products. Many make-up companies will take back empty, clean containers. Companies such as Sephora, ILIA, MAC, & Maybelline. There are also places such as Terracycle that will take back a variety of brands.

Hair straighteners, wands, tongs, or hair dryers are recyclable at Cloud Nine Hair.