Household Hazardous Waste Day

This year we will only be doing one household hazardous waste event in the fall. The Fall Event will be held Saturday,September 30, 2023 from 9:00 am-12:00 pm, rain or shine. Residents are asked to schedule an appointment to bring their materials to the Department of Public Works (DPW) yard. The Recycling Department will begin accepting appointments beginning September 4, 2023. Please call (978) 325-5600 to schedule your appointment. Gloucester residents are allowed to bring up to 25 pound or gallons of material at no cost. If you exceed 25 pounds or gallons, an additional fee will be accessed and payable to Clean Harbors (payable by check only, cash is not accepted). Please understand that we can only accept hazardous materials when Clean Harbors is on site, early drop offs will not be allowed.

Acceptable Materials

From the House:

  • Rubber Cement, Airplane Glue
  • Fiberglass Resins
  • Photo Chemicals
  • Chemistry Sets
  • Furniture Polish
  • Floor & Metal Polish
  • Oven Cleaner
  • Fluorescent Bulbs
  • Mercury bearing wastes
  • Drain and Toilet Cleaner
  • Spot Remover
  • Rug and Upholstery Cleaner
  • Hobby Supplies, Artist Supplies

From the Yard:

  • Poisons, Insecticides, Fungicides
  • Chemical Fertilizers
  • Weed Killers
  • Moth Balls
  • Flea Control Products

From the Workbench:

  • Oil Based Paints ONLY
  • Stains and Varnishes
  • Wood Preservatives (except Penta)
  • Paint Strippers/Thinners
  • Solvent Adhesives
  • Lighter Fluid

From the Garage:

  • Fuels/Gasoline/Kerosene
  • Motor Oil
  • Car Batteries
  • Antifreeze
  • Engine Degreaser
  • Brake Fluid/Carburetor Cleaner
  • Transmission Fluid
  • Car Wax, Polishes
  • Driveway Sealer
  • Roofing Tar
  • Swimming Pool Chemicals

Unacceptable Materials

What Not To Bring!

  • LATEX PAINT (pop lid, let dry, throw in trash)
  • Empty Containers/Trash
  • Commercial or Industrial Waste
  • Radioactive Waste, Smoke Detectors
  • Infectious & Biological Wastes
  • Compressed Gas Cylinders (other than propane)
  • Ammunition, Fireworks, Explosives, Flares
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Prescription Medicines/Syringes
  • Asbestos

How Can I Safely Transport These Hazardous Materials?

  • Leaving materials in original containers
  • Tighten caps and lids
  • Sort and pack separately: oil paint, pesticides,and household cleaners
  • Pack containers in sturdy upright boxes and pad with newspaper
  • Never mix chemicals
  • Pack your car and drive directly to the site
  • Never smoke while handling hazardous material