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Department of Public Works Highway Department Waste Management
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Household Hazardous Waste

Although many people don't realize it, hazardous chemicals are present in most homes. Household hazardous waste is any material discarded from the home that may pose a threat to human or environmental health if discarded improperly.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day for Chenango County Residents

Next date: To Be Determined - 2023
Appointment will be required, please call the office to schedule.

Location: Chenango County Highway Garage, 79 Rexford Street, Norwich NY 13815 Directions
Phone: (607) 337-1792

Pre-Registration

Residents wishing to dispose of their waste at this event ARE REQUIRED to pre-register by calling Chenango County DPW at (607) 337-1792. Appointments will be given on a first call, first serve basis, and there is no charge for this service. The limit per household is 15 gallons or 50 pounds of waste. Residents are encouraged to safely store their waste until the next collection is held. Currently, collection events are being held bi-annually depending on budget funding.

Materials to be Accepted

Acids, Aerosol products, Auto Care Products, Bleach, Cements, Chemistry Sets, Cleaners, Degreasers, Driveway Sealers, Glue, Herbicides, Insecticides, Insect Repellents, Lighter Fluid, Lubricants, Moth Balls, Paint (Latex and Oil Based), Pesticides, Photo Chemicals, Polishes, Resins, Adhesives, Strippers, Thinners, Waxes, Wood Stains and Preservatives.

Click here to see Paint Tips & Disposal information.

Materials NOT Accepted

Ammunition, Asbestos, Compressed Gas, Gas Cylinders, Explosive Materials, Highly Reactive Materials, Infectious Wastes, Biological Wastes, Radioactive Wastes, Smoke Detectors, Wastes not of Household Origin

Preparation and Transportation of the Wastes

  • Wear gloves and use extreme caution when handling hazardous products.
  • NEVER MIX HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
  • Package incompatible products in separate boxes lined with a plastic bag. Keep products labeled and in original containers.
  • Tighten loose caps and lids.
  • Pack products in a sturdy box.
  • Pack material in the car trunk as far away as possible from passengers.
  • To save time keep latex paint separate.
  • NEVER SMOKE AROUND HAZARDOUS WASTES!
  • No more than 1 family member per vehicle! The Driver MUST wear a mask while on site!
  • DO NOT BRING CHILDREN!
  • Upon arrival remain in your car. A trained staff member will remove the waste from your vehicle.
  • Do not bring empty paint cans.

Alternatives to Hazardous Waste

A good way to reduce the amount of hazardous waste in your household is not to use potentially harmful products. Common household ingredients can be substituted for hazardous materials. Many of these substitutes are sage to use and don't pose disposal problems. While some of these ingredients are not completely nontoxic, they are less toxic than their commercial counterparts. A list of alternatives can be found on this page. No matter how hard you may try to avoid using hazardous products, sometimes there are no alternatives.

The following suggestions will provide help in these situations:

  • Purchase the least toxic products available.
  • Read and follow the directions on how to use a product and how to dispose of the container. Be aware, that older products sometimes give instructions which are now deemed inappropriate for safe disposal.
  • Buy only as much as you need, use up leftovers or share them with friends.

Call (607) 337-1792 with questions.

Substitutes

  • General Cleaners
    Vinegar or lemon juice, full strength for tougher stains or diluted with water for regular cleaning.

  • Scouring Cleanser
    Baking soda as a paste or diluted with water (do not use on aluminum); or salt or Borax sprinkled on a sponge.

  • Oven Cleaner
    Wipe up spills as soon as possible, sprinkle spills with baking soda or salt while still warm, then wipe.

  • Drain Cleaner
    Pour 2-4 quarts of boiling water down the drain weekly or pour ½ cup baking soda and ½ cup warm white vinegar down the drain, wait 15 minutes and flush with boiling water.

  • Toilet Bowl Cleaner
    Pour ½ cup liquid chlorine bleach in toilet bowl, let soak for ½ hour, OR use flat cola for 1 hour, scrub with brush and flush.

  • Ant Repellent
    Repel with powdered red chili peppers, paprika, dried peppermint, or borax.

  • Window Cleaner
    Mix ¼ cup vinegar in 1 quart of water, spray on and wipe dry.