Household Hazardous Waste

Due to the rising cost of disposal of household hazardous waste (HHW), each household will only be able to utilize the City’s HHW service once per year. Since the cost to the City is the same regardless of the quantity brought to us, we encourage you to consolidate your HHW material and make the most of your trip.

Grand Prairie residents have the option of bringing household hazardous waste  (HHW) to a  collection event here in Grand Prairie or to the Environmental Collection Center (ECC) in Fort Worth. To take your HHW to the Fort Worth Collection Center a voucher must be obtained from the Public Health & Environmental Quality (PHEQ) Department.

HHW Collection in Grand Prairie

Note regarding old medicines: To comply with federal regulations, old medicines (both prescribed and over-the-counter) cannot be accepted at household hazardous waste collection events. Dispose of old medicines at the Grand Prairie Police Department’s Public Safety Building at 1525 Arkansas Lane Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Registration for the HHW Collection events is required and space is limited, so please register early. Register online or call 972-237-8055.

Register Online

Upcoming Collection Events

Household Hazardous Waste FAQs

What is and isn't allowed at the HHW collection events?

Accepted Items:

• Acids
• Aerosol cans
• Auto fluids - antifreeze, brake, transmission, etc. (See other methods of disposal)
• Batteries - household and automotive
• Cleaning supplies and household chemicals
• Cooking Oil
• Craft and hobby chemicals
• Degreasers and drain cleaners
• Fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides
• Fluorescent light bulbs
• Gasoline (must be in approved container)
• Motor oil and filters
• Paints and stains (30 gallons max) (See other methods of disposal)
• Photo chemicals
• Pool chemicals
• Solvents and thinners
  
  

NOT Accepted Items:

• Commercial Waste Not Accepted
• Ammunition
• Appliances
• Asbestos
• Brush
• Building materials
• Bulky waste
• Computers and electronics*
• Explosives and fire works
• Narcotics/Controlled substances
• PCB oil
• Pharmaceuticals/old medicines (bring to the Grand Prairie Police Department)
• Printer cartridges
• Radioactive materials (smoke detectors)
• Syringes
• Televisions*
• Tires
• Trash

*Free Electronics Recycling Collection events are scheduled usually on the same date, time and location as the Household Hazardous Waste Collection events. Visit the Recycling of Special Items Web Page for more information on recycling electronics. 

What is Household Hazardous Waste?

Any household product that you no longer want, but which should not be put in the garbage or washed down the drain, is considered household hazardous waste (HHW).

Many of these items are toxic, corrosive, or flammable. All of them have the potential to adversely impact the environment if not disposed of properly.

Toxic – has the ability to cause illness or injury if inhaled, ingested, absorbed through the skin, or injected. Toxicity is measured by how much of the substance is required to produce harmful effects. Products which may contain toxic substances include pesticides and herbicides, household cleaners, antifreeze, compact fluorescent lights, and pharmaceuticals.

Corrosive – dissolves metals or burns the skin. Household products which may contain corrosive ingredients include pool chemicals, household cleaners, rust removers, and drain openers.

Flammable – ignites more easily or at lower temperatures. Common flammable products include gasoline, solvents (mineral spirits, paint thinner, nail polish remover), adhesives, charcoal, and mothballs. Some items, such as bleach and hydrogen peroxide, are not flammable, but they may help cause or accelerate combustion.

Why can’t I put it down the drain?

Greasy wastes, such as cooking oil, will clog sewer lines if poured down the drain. Others, such as cleaning and laundry products, are designed to go down the drain when used according to the directions. However, the drain should not be used as a disposal mechanism for leftover or unwanted chemicals. The wastewater treatment system cannot remove all contaminants, so whatever remains goes into the rivers and lakes.

Treatment plants were not designed to remove pharmaceuticals, so medications should never be flushed or washed down the drain.

Latex Paint Disposal

Did you know that you can safely and easily dispose of latex paint yourself. LIQUID latex paint cannot be thrown away with your household garbage. However, DRIED latex paint can be.

Dry it out using the following techniques:

• If the paint can is less than 1/4 full, harden the remaining paint using an absorbent material such as kitty litter, shredded paper, sand or sawdust.
• If very little paint remains, remove the lid and allow the paint to air dry.
• You can also purchase a commercial waste paint hardener at your local home improvement store to help dry latex paint.

Once dried, latex paint and cans may be discarded with your regular trash. Leave lid off can so the waste collector can see paint is hardened.

Alternative Disposal Options

Automotive Fluids and Car Batteries - Check with local auto parts stores and auto service centers about disposal options near you. For example, AutoZone, O’Reilly Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts all accept used motor oils/gear oils at the majority of their stores for safe disposal.

Environmental Collection Center in Fort Worth

Grand Prairie residents may drop off household hazardous waste at the Environmental Collection Center (ECC) in Fort Worth, 6400 Bridge St., near I-30 and Loop 820. The ECC in Fort Worth is open on Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A current water bill or driver’s license is required as proof of residency. For more information call the ECC at 817-392-3279.