The state offers free HHW collection events to safely dispose of unused or leftover hazardous products commonly found in homes.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency announced nine upcoming Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) one-day collection locations for the spring.

Each year, Illinois EPA provides residents with free HHW collection events to safely dispose of unused or leftover hazardous products commonly found in homes. Illinois EPA HHW collections continue to be contactless for the safety of participants and workers. Collection events are funded through the Illinois EPA’s Solid Waste Fund.

“Each year, we see a continued need for Household Hazardous Waste collection events throughout the state. We are pleased to continue offering this important program, providing residents with opportunities to safely dispose of unwanted chemicals and potentially hazardous products,” said EPA Director John J. Kim. “We are grateful to our local partners and co-sponsors who make these events possible throughout Illinois.”

One-day collections are open to all Illinois residents and operate from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the day of the event. Pre-registration is required for all of the spring 2022 collection events. Residents participating in these events are encouraged to bring chemical cleaners, oil-based paints, thinners, antifreeze, motor oil, gasoline, kerosene, weed killers, insecticides, and pesticides, old or outdated medication, and similar hazardous household products. Fluorescent and other high-intensity discharge lamps may also be brought to the collections. Items not accepted include latex paint, explosives, propane tanks, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, agricultural chemicals, and business wastes.

For safe transport of HHW, residents are asked to:

• Pack HHW items in a disposable box to avoid spilling during transport.
  • Keep like chemicals together and separate unlike chemicals.
  • Secure lids and make sure containers are not leaking.
  • Place box(es) of HHW in empty trunk of your vehicle, away from passengers during transport.
  • Remain in vehicle at collection site.On-site personnel will remove the HHW from your vehicle.

A complete list of wastes that are and are not accepted is available online at https://www2.illinois.gov/epa/topics/waste-management/waste-disposal/household-hazardous-waste/Pages/acceptable-wastes.aspx. The spring 2022 one-day collections are scheduled on Saturdays.

HHW collection schedules are also available on the Illinois EPA website at https://www2.illinois.gov/epa/topics/waste-management/waste-disposal/household-hazardous-waste/Pages/collections.aspx.