What Are Household Hazardous Wastes?

Paints Fuels
Pesticides Batteries
Antifreeze Oil
Yard Care Chemicals  

You may dispose of  household hazardous waste at these permanent disposal sites:

* These household hazardous waste facilities are available to Salt Lake County residents only.

What Does It Cost?

ITS FREE. The Household Hazardous Waste Facilities are FREE to Salt Lake County Residents. Individuals outside Salt Lake County are welcome to dispose of their waste at the Salt Lake Valley Solid Waste Management Facility*, but they will be charged the same fees as the facility is charged to dispose of this waste. Small businesses that generate small quantities of hazardous waste are also welcome to use the Salt Lake Valley Solid Waste Management Facility*, but they too, will be charged disposal fees. If you have business waste, please call (801)541-4078 for information.
*Not available at the Trans Jordan Landfill

What Happens to the Material After I Drop It Off?

Many of the items that people bring in for disposal are still usable. All usable items are available free to the public, at the Reuse Center. The center has paint, pesticides, fertilizers and much more. There are Reuse Centers at the Household Hazardous Waste Facilities.

Items that are not reusable but can be recycled are sorted and shipped to different recycling manufacturers. They in turn, make other products from the materials they receive. Some of the products that can be made from the materials are paint primer, caulking and lubricants. Items that can't be reused are sent to facilities where the material is Safely destroyed in 1400 degree Fahrenheit incinerators.

What Else Can Be Done About Household Hazardous Waste?

Disposal of household hazardous waste down sewers, storm drains, or in the garbage can pose environmental and safety concerns. Improperly stored chemicals can cause house fires and accidental poisonings. Water quality is a very important issue for Salt Lake County because of its limited water supply and large population base. We need to do everything possible to protect and preserve the quality of our ground and surface waters.

Helpful Hints:

Safe Alternatives:

Air Freshener Find source of odor and eliminate it. Open windows to ventilate. To scent air, use herbal bouquets, pure vanilla on a cotton ball, or simmer cinnamon and cloves.
Brass Polish Make paste of equal parts vinegar, salt and flour. Be sure to rinse completely afterwards to prevent corrosion.
Drain Cleaner  Try a plunger first. Then pour ½ cup baking soda down, then ½ cup of vinegar. Wait a few minutes, then follow with two quarts boiling water. Repeat if needed. If this fails, rent or buy a drain snake.
Fertilizer Make and use compost and organic fertilizers.
Furniture Polish Use olive or almond oil.
Garbage Disposal Deodorizer Used lemon or baking soda.
Mothballs (in cloths) Thoroughly clean any used clothing or furniture before introducing into your home. Wash woolen before storing; store in tight containers. Vacuum rugs, behind and under furniture. Shake out woolens periodically. Use cedar chips and lavender flowers instead of mothballs.
Oven Cleaner As a preventative measure, cover the oven bottom with a sheet of aluminum foil. Clean up spills promptly. To clean, use baking soda, soap and water with a copper scrubber and a lot of elbow grease.
Scouring Powder Baking soda.
Silver Cleaner For large objects, rub gently with baking soda and a damp sponge. For small objects, place in a pot of boiling water on stove with a small piece of aluminum foil; add 1 tsp. baking soda and 1 tsp. salt. Boil 2-3 minutes, then cool and dry. Toothpaste can also be a great silver cleaner.
Slugs and Snails Remove tall grass and debris from vicinity of garden. Use beer traps (replenish frequently).
Window Cleaner Use ½ cup vinegar and one quart warm water.