Household Hazardous Waste 101: What You Can (and Can’t) Throw Away

If you’ve ever stood over your trash can, paint can in one hand and confusion in the other, you’re not alone. Knowing what qualifies as household hazardous waste (HHW) and how to dispose of it safely can feel like a guessing game. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be.

Let’s break down what you can and can’t toss out, and how TakemyHazWaste makes it simple to do the right thing for your home, community, and the planet.

What Counts as Household Hazardous Waste?

Household hazardous waste includes any product labeled toxic, flammable, corrosive, or reactive. In other words, these are items that can pose risks to your health or the environment if thrown in the trash or poured down the drain.

Common Household Hazardous Waste items found in most homes include:

• Paints, stains, and varnishes

• Cleaning products and disinfectants

• Aerosol sprays

• Motor oil, antifreeze, and fuel

• Pesticides and fertilizers

• Batteries and light bulbs

• Electronics and old devices

If it comes with a warning label, assume it’s hazardous and needs special handling.

What You Can’t  Throw Away

Many Household hazardous waste items don’t belong in your curbside bins, even if they seem harmless. Throwing them in the garbage can cause:

• Chemical reactions in collection trucks or landfills

• Toxic leaks into soil and groundwater

• Fires or explosions from flammable materials

That means you shouldn’t put any of these in your household garbage or recycling:

• Paint, paint thinner, or solvent containers (even if “mostly empty”)

• Batteries of any kind

• Propane tanks or fuel canisters

• Mercury thermometers

• Bleach or ammonia-based cleaners

• Pesticide or fertilizer bottles

  
  

What You Can Do Instead

Proper disposal isn’t just the law; it’s a smart way to protect your home and the environment. Here’s how you can safely manage household hazardous waste in Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley:

1. Use our Materials List: Not sure what goes where? Visit our Materials We Accept page for a handy, searchable list of accepted items.

2. Drop off small loads: Residents can bring smaller quantities of accepted materials to one of our partner bottle depots - South Van, Scott Road, and Walnut Grove, or our main facility in Surrey.

3. Schedule a pickup: Do you have a garage full of old paint or chemicals? We provide convenient residential pickup for larger quantities or complex waste.

4. Ask before you toss: If you’re unsure, contact our team and we’ll help you find the safest disposal method.

   
   

Why It Matters

Every can of paint, old battery, and drop of chemical cleaner adds up. Disposing of hazardous waste properly helps:

• Prevent pollution of local waterways

• Keep hazardous materials out of landfills

• Protect waste handlers and the community from harm

• Support compliance with BC environmental regulations

Safe waste management begins at home, and we’re here to make it easier.

Take the Guesswork Out of Waste Disposal

Don’t risk fines or environmental damage by guessing what’s safe to dispose of. Whether it’s old paint, used oil, or leftover household chemicals, TakemyHazWaste ensures your waste is handled safely and responsibly.

Not sure where your items go? Check our Materials List or contact us for help today.