Trash Taxi / Waste Pro

Electronics and Hazardous Waste Items 

Household chemical and electronic waste from Polk County residents is accepted with no additional fees at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility located at the North Central Landfill. 

Federal law requires businesses to properly dispose of all hazardous waste. For information on commercial hazardous waste disposal options, to learn more about the Small Business Disposal program or to simply learn more, contact our office at (863) 284-4319 or visit www.polkwastewise.net.

Household hazardous wastes (HHW) are products that contain ingredients that are flammable, corrosive, combustible, toxic and/or reactive. HHWs include, but are not limited to:

• Auto and Boat Batteries: Bring old car batteries to the HHW facility or check with local “buy-back” centers for recycling. By law, all stores should accept and recycle old car batteries when a new one is purchased.

• Household Batteries: Common household alkaline batteries, such as As, Cs and Ds, no longer contain mercury and are safe to dispose of with regular garbage. Rechargeable batteries still contain toxins and need to be recycled. Local electronic stores also offer disposal options.

• Fuel and Gas Cylinders: Containers of fuel or gas up to five gallons can be taken to the HHW facility. Propane and other flammable gases can cause explosions or fires when disposed in the garbage and are accepted by the HHW facility.

• Filters, Used Oil and Antifreeze: Motor oil is banned from landfill disposal so it cannot be placed in your garbage. Motor oil can contaminate water supplies if improperly disposed. County residents should recycle used motor oil and antifreeze at the HHW facility.

• Pesticides: Use as directed or take to the HHW facility. Empty pesticide containers can be thrown away with your household garbage.

• Mercury and Fluorescent Lights: Fluorescent tubes and CFLs contain small amounts of mercury, which need to be disposed of through the HHW facility. Check with local home improvement stores for additional disposal options.

• Flares: Marine and roadside flares can cause fires when disposed of in the garbage. Take to the HHW facility.

• Paint: Take to a HHW drop-off area (limit of 20 gallons a year). Alternatively, latex paint can be dried out and thrown away with your household garbage. Remove lid and add sand, cat litter or sawdust to absorb liquid. Leave uncovered in garbage.

• Used Cooking Oil: Used cooking oil can harm septic tanks and clog sewers. It can also be used to make a variety of products including new fuel. Take to the HHW facility.