Household Hazardous Waste Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Turnkey Landfill, 18 Isinglass Drive (off Rochester Neck Road), in Rochester. Please note, the Rochester Residential Trash and Yard Waste Drop-Off Center will be closed all day to accommodate this event.

According to the NH Department of Environmental Services, New Hampshire residents purchase millions of dollars worth of household products such as cleaners, pesticides, and electronic devices that make lives easier, safer, and more enjoyable. Unfortunately, consumers are not always aware of the toxic nature of these products nor do they fully consider the possible environmental or health effects resulting from their use and disposal.

When stored or used improperly, product vapors may react with the chemicals in another product creating toxic gases, poisonings, and even fires. Every day, products like drain cleaners, medications, pesticides, bleaches, and fluorescent lamps are thrown into the household trash where they are free to come in contact and react with each other. Even if the chemicals in these products don’t react in the garbage, their disposal as solid waste could allow them to leak into the environment where they would contaminate the air we breathe and water we drink.

Accepted Items:

Residents may bring up to 10 gallons of hazardous household waste, including:

• Household cleaners and chemicals (oven cleaners, drain cleaners, bleach, polishes, pool chemicals)
• Pesticides and fertilizers
• Automotive products (fuel additives, antifreeze, brake fluid, car wax)
• Paint and workshop materials (oil-based paints, paint thinners, adhesives, solvents)

NOT Accepted:

• Latex paint (should be dried out and disposed of in the trash)
• Motor oil, tires, and electronics (check with your municipality for disposal options)
• Propane tanks (return to a seller for recycling)
• Car batteries (most retailers accept returns)

Safe Disposal Tips

Proper disposal of hazardous waste is crucial for protecting the environment and public health. Never pour chemicals down the drain or onto the ground, as it is illegal and harmful. Residents are encouraged to explore alternative, less-toxic household products, and practice reduce, reuse, and recycle strategies.

For more information about Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day, contact Public Works at (603) 332-4096 or www.rochesternh.gov.