What is Special Household Waste?

Many common household products can pose a hazard to human health, groundwater and the environment if they are not handled properly for disposal. Placing items such as paint, automotive products, car batteries, pesticides and more in our trash is NOT the most environmentally sound way to get rid of them.  Using them up completely is the preferred alternative. 
 
This Special Household Waste program offers residents a convenient and effective means of disposing of those household waste products which require special handling, processing and disposal.  There is no direct charge to you for this service.  The community in which you live will be assessed for disposal costs.
Read on for the complete list of typical "special household wastes."

What about COMPUTERS and other ELECTRONICS?

Old electronic equipment from homes can now be recycled through this program.  SOCRRA accepts computer monitors, CPUs, printers, television sets (except those in wooden cabinets), radios, telephones, cell phones, copy machines, fax machines, stereos (except those in wooden cabinets), VCRs and CD players.
To Participate in the SOCRRA Special Household Waste Management and Disposal Program

Please be certain that when you are transporting containers of special household waste materials, the containers are adequately sealed to prevent accidental spills. This may require the use of a box or other container to assure proper safety. Place your box, bag or other container in the trunk of your vehicle to prevent spillage in case of sudden stops. Also, each item must be clearly labeled as to content.

Once you arrive at the SOCRRA facility, a directional sign will guide you, with SOCRRA personnel to assist you.

Notes:
1. Per Federal/State environmental law, we cannot accept waste from businesses.
2. For safety reasons, your container cannot be returned to you - we do no processing on site.
3. You must have an appointment (we cannot accept walk-ins).
4. You must reside in one of our 12 member communities (Berkley, Beverly Hills, Birmingham, Clawson, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Huntington Woods, Lathrup Village, Oak Park, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak or Troy).
Acceptable Special Household Wastes
Special wastes should be in original containers and labeled.

From Your House:
* Aerosols
* Appliance & Flashlight Batteries (especially rechargeable)
* Mercury and Nickel-Cadmium Batteries (camera, calculator, hearing aid, etc.)
* Bug Sprays
* Chlorine Bleach
* Dyes
* Electronic Equipment (computers, TVs, radios, phones, etc.)
* Floor Care Products
* Floor Wax
* Fluorescent Light Bulbs
* Furniture Polish
* Medicines (expired)
* Oven Cleaners
* Spray Dust Cleaners
* Scouring Powders
* Syringes
* Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
* Spot & Stain Removers
* Toilet Cleaners
* Upholstery/Carpet Cleaners

From Your Workshop:
* Alcohols
* Creosote
* Cutting Oil
* Glues
* Mineral Spirits
* Naphtha
* Paint Brush Cleaners
* Polyurethane Coatings
* Rust Remover
* Turpentine
* Wood Stains & Preservatives
* Paints:
   * Automobile
   * Model
   * Oil and Latex-based
   * Primer
   * Stripper

From Your Garden:
* Algaecides
* Ant & Roach Powder
* Bug Sprays, Sticks & Creams
* Fertilizer
* Fly Strips
* Fungicides
* Garden Dusts & Sprays
* Herbicides
* Insecticides & Pesticides
* Rat & Rodent Poison
* Weed Killer

From Your Garage:
* Antifreeze
* Auto Batteries or Battery Acid
* Brake Fluid
* Car Wax with Solvents
* Diesel Fuel & Gasoline
* Engine Cleaners
* Fuel Oil
* Gas & Diesel Additives
* Kerosene
* Metal Polishes
* Motor Oil & Additives
* Oil Filters
* Transmission Fluid & Additives

Miscellaneous:
* Artists' Paints & Mediums
* Dry Cleaning Solvents
* Fiberglass Epoxy
* Gun Cleaning Solvents
* Lighter Fluid
* Moth Balls & Flakes
Unacceptable Special Waste

Some types or quantities of special wastes are unacceptable. Those listed below are currently beyond our capabilities. If your household contains any of these materials and you wish to dispose of them, please secure a contractor from the Yellow Pages, under the "Hazardous Waste Disposal" heading.

1. Unlabeled wastes or containers with unknown contents
2. Waste generated by a business or industry
3. Radioactive materials
4. Explosives or shock-sensitive materials
5. More than 20 gallons of any material
6. Waste from cleanups or spills or...
7. More than 80 pounds of electronics
LATEX PAINT

While you can always make an appointment to bring latex paint to SOCRRA, LATEX paint, (not OIL-BASED) can be dried and placed in your regular trash for disposal.

1.  Dry the latex paint in a well ventilated area, away from children and pets.
2.  Add absorbent material such as kitty litter or sawdust to help absorb the moisture.
3.  The dried paint can be placed in your regular trash.
4.  The empty container can be placed in the recycling bin with the lid off.

Remember these steps too!

* Buy only what you need... ask the paint stores, they are the experts!
* Store it properly, so it doesn't dry out... cover the opening with plastic wrap and fit the lid securely on, so the paint doesn't leak.  Store the can UPSIDE DOWN.  This helps to keep the paint fresh until you need it again.
* Use it all up!
* Try to donate the unused paint... local theater groups, schools and churches are good places to start.

General Tips

* Always read labels carefully before buying and using hazardous products. Be aware of their uses and dangers. If directions are unclear, contact the manufacturer before using.
* Buy alternative household products which are not toxic. Look for "non-toxic" on label.
* Keep unused portions in their original containers with labels intact and readable. Knowing the contents could be a lifesaver in case of accidental poisonings.
* Store hazardous materials in a place inaccessible to children or pets.
* Reduce your waste and save money by purchasing only materials you need and will use.
* Avoid mixing different products. This can cause explosive or poisonous chemical reactions.
* Always use hazardous products in well ventilated areas. Wear protective gloves when warranted. Many hazardous products have dangerous fumes that can burn your skin or irritate your eyes, nose and throat.
* Look up the phone number of the poison control center and place it near or on your phone in case of actual or suspected poisonings.

CLEAN SWEEP PESTICIDE COLLECTION PROGRAM

If you live in one of SOCRRA's member municipalities (Berkley, Beverly Hills, Birmingham, Clawson, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Huntington Woods, Lathrup Village, Oak Park, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak or Troy), call for an appointment through the Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Program at (248) 288-5153.

If you don't live in one of the cities listed above, you must follow these guidelines:

* Clean Sweep is a free program for accepting pesticides and thermometers from any resident - no fertilizers

* Resident must send a letter to:

SOCRRA (Attn:  Operations Director)
3910 W. Webster Road
Royal Oak, MI 48073
or fax it: 248/435-0310

Stating:

1. name, address, phone number
2. detailed list of products, specifying size (pounds or gallons), consistency (liquid or solid), EPA registration number, and common name for each item.

After evaluation, you will be contacted and an appointment set for you to bring the acceptable material into our Clean Sweep Station in Troy (See Map).

No walk ins!

No chemicals other than pesticides or mercury!

REMEMBER!!

OUR FIRST RECOMMENDATION IS ALWAYS TO USE THE PRODUCT UP;
DON'T MAKE IT A WASTE IN THE FIRST PLACE!
Curbside Recycling

Electronics Recycling

Household Hazardous

Drop Off Center



City of Hazel Park, 111 E. Nine Mile Rd., Hazel Park, MI 48030 Disclaimer