Recycle or safely dispose of household chemicals, paint, electronics and more!

 

Next event coming this Fall...

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Household Hazardous Waste Drop off Event

Saturday, Nov 2, 2024 

9 a.m to 1 p.m.

Cumming Fairgrounds Lot #3, 235 Castleberry Road Cumming, GA 30040

(across from the Fairgrounds at the Castleberry Bridge)

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Pre-registration is required. There is a limited # of registrations. Registration opens Monday, October 14.

For Forsyth County Residents only. Residential household hazardous waste only.

Limit 10 gallons of paint per vehicle. 

The event is free. A minimum $5 donation to support KFCB programs is suggested.

See additional information below.  

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Can't wait for the Fall event? See below for general household hazardous waste information and alternative disposal options.  

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Household Hazardous Waste Event

 

What is it?    

A free household hazardous waste drop off event held twice per year at the Cumming Fairgrounds Lot #3.

Recycle or safely dispose of herbicides, pesticides, paint, electronics, cleaners, gasoline, antifreeze, and other chemicals from your home. This KFCB event is held in partnership with the Forsyth County Recycling and Solid Waste Department and the City of Cumming. For Forsyth County residents only. A minimum $5 donation is suggested. 

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Items accepted

 

​Aerosols including aerosol paint

Automotive products (batteries, degreaser, brake/transmission fluid, antifreeze, motor oil, etc.)

Batteries (all types)

Chemicals

Chlorinated solvents

Cleaners (corrosives, spot removers, bleach, acids and bases)

Electronics (computers, monitors, laptops, televisions, etc.)

Fire extinguishers

Flammables (lighter fluid and waste fuels such as kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel, etc.)

Fluorescent bulbs and ballasts

Glues and epoxy

Lawn care products (weed killer, fertilizer, etc.)

Mercury 

Oils and greases (motor, lubricants, industrial)

Paints and Stains (all types) - Limit 10 gallons

Pesticides (herbicides, flea and tick products, fungicides, insecticides, rodenticides, etc.)

Pool Chemicals

Small propane gas cylinders

Solvents and varnishes

Thermometers and thermostats

Wood preservatives

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Items Not Accepted:

Medical waste, needles

Ammunition, explosives

Pharmaceuticals

Non-hazardous items

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What is Household Hazardous Waste? 

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Household hazardous waste is categorized as leftover household products that can be harmful if disposed of incorrectly. These products fall into 4 main categories: 

 

1. Corrosive: it can damage human tissue.

2. Ignitable: it can catch fire.

3. Toxic: causes injury or death if it’s swallowed, inhaled or absorbed.

4. Reactive: it can cause an explosion.

 

Examples of common household hazardous waste include: paints, cleaners, oils, fuels, batteries, fluorescent or HID light bulbs, herbicides, and pesticides. Additionally, some electronics fall into this category as they contain materials such as lead, cadmium, beryllium, or brominated flame retardants.

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Other Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Options

 

The best option for household hazardous products is to find a use for them or donate them to someone who can use them. To prevent accumulation, try to determine how much material (paint, insecticides, etc.) the job will require and not purchase more than you will need or explore less-toxic product alternatives.

 

The most common DIY alternative for liquid household hazardous waste disposal is to “solidify or evaporate” it. Once in a solid or dry state, it can be placed with regular household trash for disposal.  (see below for Solidification Instructions) 

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Here are a few additional options for specific items:

 

1.  The Forsyth County Convenience Centers accept tires, electronics, paint, batteries, used motor oil, cooking oil and anti-       freeze - some fees apply.

2.  Medication can be taken to the North or South Precinct of the Forsyth County Sherriff’s Office.

3.  Old fire extinguishers can be used to hold a hands-on fire safety demonstration. Many people have never used a fire             extinguisher and knowing what to expect can be very helpful in the case of a real emergency. 

4.  Batteries Plus stores accept light bulbs and batteries – a fee may apply.

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For a complete list of household hazardous waste and other items accepted at the Forsyth County Convenience Centers, click here.

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SOLIDIFICATION

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1.  Work outside, safe from access by children or animals. Wear rubber gloves and eye protection.

2.  Sawdust, shredded newspaper, kitty litter, rags or Oil Dri can be used as an absorbent.

3.  Double-line a garbage can or box with plastic garbage bags, add some of the material you have chosen as an                       absorbent and then add some of the liquid waste.

     * For gasoline and other corrosive chemicals you will need to use a more rigid container (preferably metal) and do not          line with trash bags. Aluminum roasting pans work well.

4.  Gently stir and alternate adding liquid and absorbent until all of the liquid is absorbed.

5.  If possible leave the bag open outside in the sun to completely dry the material.

6.  When the material is solidified, tie up the bag and it can then go into the regular trash.

7.  Be sure not to get the bag so heavy that you can’t handle it or that it ruptures.

8.  If you leave the chemical in its original container for disposal, leave the lid off to show that it is solidified. Most waste        companies will not take closed paint cans.