Household Hazardous Waste

Report trash, recycling or cart issues to (865) 215-4311 or [email protected]

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HOLIDAY & OTHER ALERTS: The Solid Waste Facility will be closed on Thursday, November 28 through Saturday, November 30, and will resume normal operating hours on Monday, December 2.

The Transfer Station has a construction project beginning on August 19th, 2024. Be prepared for possible delays and increased wait times during this period. Delays should be expected through November.


Household Hazardous Waste Facility
(located within the Solid Waste Facility)
1033 Elm Street
Knoxville, TN 37921
Household Hazardous Waste: 865-215-6710
Fax: 865-215-6711


HOURS OF OPERATION
Mon - Tue - Thur - Fri: 7:00 am - 3:45 pm
Wed: 7:00 am - 11:45 am
Sat: 8:00 am - 11:45 am
Sun: Closed

2025 Solid Waste Facility Calendar [PDF]







WHAT IS HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE?

Household hazardous waste (HHW) is any material discarded from the home that may pose a health threat to humans or the environment if handled or disposed of improperly. HHW is any household material labeled: toxic, poison, corrosive, reactive, flammable, combustible, or irritant. Please bring these items to the Household Hazardous Waste facility so they can be properly and safely disposed of; do not place them in your trash. 


VISITING THE HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE FACILITY

 

  • All Visitors Must Drive Across the Scale.
  • There is no fee to drop off accepted household hazardous waste.
  • Businesses, nonprofits, churches, and other non-residential entities must contract privately for any hazardous waste disposal.
  • Residents may bring up to 20 gallons of oil-based paint per day.
  • Residents may bring up to 10 gallons of other HHW liquids (oils, fuel, etc) per day.
  • Residents may bring up to 100 pounds of HHW materials per day.
  • Materials in containers that are larger than 5 gallons will not be accepted.


MATERIALS ACCEPTED AT THE HHW

  • Acids
  • Aerosol cans
  • Auto body repair products
  • Automotive oil and fuel (10 gal. limit/day)
  • Additives
  • Antifreeze
  • Batteries - Lead Acid, Lithium, and Rechargeable (no alkaline)
  • Bleach
  • Brake fluid
  • Car wax and cleaners
  • Carburetor and fuel injection cleaners
  • Caulk
  • Computer systems (limit of 3/visit. Charges apply if over limit)
  • Cooking grease
  • Drain openers
  • Electronics (Computer systems/accessories, cell phones, chargers, string lights, etc.) NO TVS or other non-tech devices
  • Fertilizers
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Flea collars
  • Fluorescent tubes & compact fluorescent light bulbs
  • Fungicides/wood preservatives
  • Gasoline (10 gal. limit/day)
  • Grease and rust solvents
  • Herbicides
  • Household cleaners
  • Insect repellent
  • Insecticide
  • Kerosene (10 gal. limit/day)
  • Lighter fluid
  • MAPP gas cylinders 
  • Mercury thermometers and thermostats
  • Mothballs
  • Oven cleaner
  • Paint (Oil-based only. 20 gallon limit/day/container size. No latex paint accepted! Please see information regarding latex paint at top of page.)
  • Paint stripper and removers
  • Paint thinner
  • Pesticides
  • Pet spray and dip
  • Pool chemicals
  • Propane cylinders
  • Rat and mouse poison
  • Shoe polish
  • Spray paint cans
  • Stain
  • Starter fluids
  • Toilet bowl cleaner
  • Transmission fluid
  • Tub and tile cleaner
  • Varnish
  • Weed killer
  • Windshield wiper fluid

UNACCEPTABLE MATERIALS
  • As of March 2018 latex paint is no longer accepted as HHW. Latex paint can be solidified at home and disposed of in your household trash. You can solidify with kitty litter or another absorbent material, and leave cans open until it dries. Please view this link on how to properly dispose of latex paint.
  • Ammunition, explosives, fireworks (contact law enforcement at 865-215-4010)
  • Light ballasts
  • Medical waste (needles can be placed inside a sturdy container such as a detergent bottle, capped, labeled, and placed in your trash container)
  • Non-propane Cylinders (NO Oxygen Tanks)
  • Radioactive Waste (including smoke detectors - visit https://www.jmac.com/Articles.asp?ID=350 for proper disposal)
  • Industrial, commercial or business-generated hazardous waste
  • Any household hazardous waste in commercial or work vehicles.
  • Unidentifiable Materials

The following common items are not accepted as Household Hazardous Waste, but can be disposed of at the Solid Waste Facility for a fee. 
  • Air Conditioners/Heaters
  • Refrigerators/Freezers
  • TVs

REDUCE THROUGH REUSE

HHW materials that are still usable and in their original container will be set aside for reuse. Residents who sign a waiver may pick up these materials free-of-charge.