Many of the items we use around the house daily are considered household hazardous wastes because they may contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients.  Products such as cleaners, gasoline and pesticides can pollute the environment and jeopardize public health when they are disposed of improperly and enter our water or the solid waste stream.

Before bringing hazardous household items to the collection site:

• Make sure items are clearly labeled and NEVER MIX CHEMICALS.  Incompatible products may react, ignite, or explode, and mixed waste may become not be recyclable. 
• Keep products in original labeled container. 
• Place leaky containers in clear plastic bags. 
• Tighten lids of all containers and pack items in sturdy cardboard boxes lined with newspaper. 
• Put boxes in the trunk or in the back of the vehicle away from passengers. 
• Leave pets and children home when bringing hazardous materials for collection. 
• Keep your windows open and drive directly to the collection site. 
• Do not smoke or eat while handling hazardous materials.
• Antifreeze, motor oil, batteries of any type, fluorescent bulbs, compact fluorescent bulbs and electronics can also be recycled at the Westport Transfer Station, 300 Sherwood Island Connector, Monday-Friday 7:00 am – 2:30 pm, Saturday 7:00 am – 12:00 pm. 

Here is a general outline of household areas and the typical chemicals that may be found in your home:

Garage:  paints, gasoline, kerosene, mineral spirits, spray paint, paint strippers, paint thinners, solvents, stains, turpentine, varnishes, wood preservatives, degreasers, etc.

Garden shed:  fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, etc.

General household:  bleach, charcoal lighter, cleaning chemicals, drain cleaners, flammable liquids, mercury thermometers, moth balls, pet flea shampoos, photo chemicals, rug shampoos, spot removers, art supplies & paints, etc.

The following items are NOT acceptable:  PROPANE TANKS, AMMUNITION, FLARES, EXPLOSIVES, and COMMERCIAL HAZARDOUS WASTE.

Listed below are some items that can be recycled at the Transfer Station Recycling Center on the Sherwood Island Connector during normal operating hours:

• Latex & Oil Based Paints, Stains, Varnishes & Urethanes
• Batteries (any type)
• Fluorescent Bulbs
• Motor oil & Antifreeze
• Electronics
• Textiles
• NOT ACCEPTABLE — propane tanks, ammunition, explosives, demo debris, fireworks, flares, commercial waste.

If you have any questions, contact the Westport Public Works Department at 203-341-1793.