Your Fall Garage Cleanup Guide: 10 Hidden Hazards & Proper Household Hazardous Waste Disposal in Vancouver

TakemyHazWaste | Metro Vancouver Household Hazardous Waste Guide

As winter sets in and the rain returns (hi Vancouver 👋), many homeowners start fall garage cleanup - packing away summer gear, pulling out winter tools, and preparing for colder months. And every year, without fail, that’s when the mystery shelf of chemicals finally reveals itself. This is the perfect time to identify household hazardous waste in your garage before it causes safety issues.

If your garage is looking like a chemistry set with a side quest, you’re not alone. Your garage may be hiding dozens of hazardous items, many of which require proper handling.

Here are 10 common hazards hiding in Metro Vancouver garages this fall, along with the steps to take.

1. Old Batteries (Household + Automotive)

Batteries can leak corrosive acid or start fires if stored improperly.

Common culprits:  AA/AAA batteries, tool batteries, car batteries.

What to do: Bring household and automotive batteries to a hazardous waste drop-off in Metro Vancouver or schedule a pickup with TakemyHazWaste.

2. Gasoline & Fuel Containers

Partially full gasoline cans and other fuels from lawn care or camping season can become unstable over time.

Why it’s risky: Gas becomes unstable over time and is highly flammable.

What to do: Dispose of old fuel safely through our household hazardous waste pickup service or at a drop-off depot. Never pour gasoline down drains or in the garbage.

3. Propane Tanks & Cylinders

BBQ tanks, camping cylinders, and small propane torches are common in fall garage cleanups.

What to do: Proper disposal of propane tanks in Vancouver is essential. TakemyHazWaste accepts propane tanks of all sizes at our main depots or via pickup.

4. Paint, Solvents & Stains

Leftover paint cans, stains, and solvents from summer projects can rust, leak, or emit harmful fumes.

Why it’s hazardous: Many contain flammable or toxic ingredients.

What to do: Bring them to any of hazardous waste transfer stations for safe processing. Household hazardous waste disposal Metro Vancouver regulations require proper handling of these items.

5. Pesticides & Garden Chemicals

Expired or leftover herbicides, insecticides, and fertilizers from your garden can pose serious risks.

Risks: Toxic fumes, spills, accidental exposure to kids/pets.

What to do: Hazardous waste disposal in Metro Vancouver includes pesticides — bring them to TakemyHazWaste for safe handling.

6.  Household Cleaners & Chemicals

Bleach, ammonia, and multipurpose cleaners are common fall garage discoveries. Mixing or improper disposal can be dangerous.

What to do: We accept all household cleaners for safe disposal in Metro Vancouver, even the mystery bottles with faded labels.

7. Motor Oil, Coolant & Automotive Fluids

Old engine oil, brake fluid, and antifreeze from last winter should never go in regular trash.

What to do: Dispose of automotive fluids safely with TakemyHazWaste’s automotive fluids disposal Vancouver services.

8. Aerosol Cans

Spray paint, lubricant, cleaning sprays are all pressurized and potentially explosive.

What to do: Bring aerosol cans for disposal in Metro Vancouver to one of our depots or schedule a pickup.

9. Sharps & Medical Waste

Needles, syringes, and test strips may be tucked away in drawers or toolboxes.

What to do: Household sharps disposal in Vancouver is available through TakemyHazWaste to keep your home safe.

10. Old Electronics & Batteries

As people reorganize for fall, old tools, gadgets, holiday lights, and chargers tend to resurface.

What to do: We help recycle electronics safely, including batteries and cords, keeping hazardous materials out of landfills.

Why Fall Is the Perfect Time to Clear Out Your Garage

✔ You’re already reorganizing for the winter

✔ Moisture + chemicals = leaks, rusting, fumes

✔ Storing hazardous items indoors increases risk

✔ You free up space before holiday season

Plus, it’s simply safer to deal with these items before winter storms, power outages, and freezing temperatures start creating extra hazards.

How TakemyHazWaste Can Help

We make hazardous waste disposal easy for Metro Vancouver households:

✔ Drop-Off Depot Locations

South Van • Scott Road • Walnut Grove

✔ Home Pickup Services

Perfect for larger loads or any items you don’t want to transport.

✔ Accepted Items Include:

• Paints, cleaners, automotive fluids

• Chemicals, solvents, pesticides

• Electronics, batteries, sharps

• Propane tanks and fuel containers

• And more. See our complete list anytime

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We handle the dangerous stuff so your home stays clean, safe, and ready for fall.

Book a Fall Cleanup Pickup

Schedule a pickup or drop-off with TakemyHazWaste to safely dispose of your household hazardous waste in Metro Vancouver. A clean, safe garage is just a call away!