Columbia County’s Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department is offering residents a valuable opportunity to safely dispose of hazardous materials, such as old paint, motor oil, pesticides, and other toxic substances that cannot be included in regular trash or recycling. These no-cost Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection events are designed to help protect the environment and ensure the safety of our communities.

2025 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Schedule:

Drop-off Instructions:
Items must be placed in containers no larger than five (5) gallons and securely transported to prevent spills. Your household hazardous waste must be in your vehicle's bed, trunk, or hatchback - not the passenger compartment. Trained technicians will unload materials directly from your vehicle. Please be patient, and please remain in your car.

Accepted items include:

• Fireworks and flares
• Gas, diesel, fuels, motor oil, and antifreeze
• Lawn and garden chemicals, herbicides, and pesticides
• Pool and spa chemicals
• Light ballasts (must be removed from light fixtures)
• Fluorescent tubes
• Art and hobby chemicals
• Solvents, thinners, and items containing mercury
• Propane and compressed gas cylinders
• Batteries (all types and applications)
• Cleaners, detergents, and poisons
• Paint and paint products (e.g., latex, acrylic, oil-based, enamel, stains, primers, etc.)
• Cooking oil
• Medical sharps in OSHA-approved, puncture-proof containers
• Ammunition

New Policy for Liquid Disposal Containers:
 To improve event efficiency and reduce wait times, containers used to transport liquids for disposal will not be returned. This change ensures a smoother process for all participants. Thank you for your cooperation!

“We’re always looking for ways to make the HHW collection events run more smoothly,” said Jacob Anderson, Solid Waste Program Coordinator. “This new policy for liquid disposal containers will help speed up the process and make the event more efficient for everyone. We really appreciate the community’s understanding and cooperation as we continue to improve these events.”

Additional Information:

• Disposal fees for automotive batteries, antifreeze, and fluorescent tubes are waived during HHW events.
• Unwanted paint, used motor oil, and used cooking oil can always be disposed of for free at the Transfer Station during regular business hours.
• Medical sharps in sealed, OSHA-approved containers are accepted at no cost at the Transfer Station Scale House during business hours. Residents can also enroll in the FREE Sharps Container Exchange Program at the Transfer Station.

For materials not included in this list – such as those from Very Small Quantity Generators (VSQGs, <220 lbs./mo.) or liquids in containers larger than five gallons – please contact Marc Winkler at ACT Enviro (916-693-4496) at least two weeks before an event to schedule an appointment.

We encourage all Columbia County residents to take advantage of this important opportunity to dispose of hazardous materials safely and responsibly. For more information or to find out more about HHW events, visit www.columbiacountyor.gov or contact Jacob Anderson at 503-397-7259 or jacob.anderson@columbiacountyor.gov.

Columbia County is committed to disposing of hazardous waste through safe, environmentally responsible practices, protecting the health of our community and the environment.

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ABOUT COLUMBIA COUNTY’S SOLID WASTE PROGRAM
Columbia County plans, organizes, and directs recycling, reuse, waste reduction, and household hazardous waste management programs throughout its 657-square-mile area. The county also operates a transfer station in St. Helens and administers solid waste collection events within its unincorporated areas.

2025 Household Hazardous Waste Flyer