How do I dispose of household waste? Safely — and Washington County can help.

Jan 01, 2024

ST. GEORGE — Homeowners have a lot of neat stuff, but they may be unaware that many of these things have components made from materials considered to be hazardous waste.

Once these items are no longer needed, it is important to the health of others as well as the environment that they are correctly disposed of.

The Washington County Solid Waste district takes a proactive approach to dealing with hazardous waste. Read on for ways to properly dispose of potentially dangerous items.

What is household hazardous waste?

Generally speaking, household hazardous waste involves any product that can catch fire, is corrosive or contains toxic ingredients. The Environmental Protection Agency does not regulate the disposal of household hazardous waste. However, Washington County Solid Waste does operate under permit by the state of Utah, which carries its own restrictions.

For this reason, the county has stepped up with a plan designed to keep residents and the environment safe from the effects of these materials.

Chemical products can pose a health risk due to their ignitability and toxicity. Washington County Waste District Manager Kevin Kunz said these include items like aerosol cans, batteries, fuel, herbicides, paint, oil and pesticides.

"Our permit entitles us to only accept solid waste, so no liquids are accepted at the landfill," Kunz said. "We divert separate waste streams appropriately so we can maximize the life of the landfill."

Hazardous materials accepted at the Washington County Landfill

Oil and antifreeze – Washington County residents can drop off quantities of 5 gallons or less. Oil is required to be in its original plastic container or a plastic bucket with a lid so it can be properly stored in the elements until the recycler collects it.

Batteries – Lithium-ion batteries can start a fire and should be disposed of in e-waste bins at the landfill. Batteries weighing less than 5 pounds can be recycled through the scale house. Car batteries are also recycled. Single-use batteries should have the terminal ends taped before disposal. Ideally, batteries should be saved on the semi-annual household hazardous waste day.

Paint – A free-scale house paint exchange program is available for quantities of 5 gallons or less. Washington County residents can bring in their unused paint or take home paint that has been dropped off by others.

Latex or water-based stains and oil-based lacquers can be brought to the semi-annual household hazardous waste day. Liquid forms of paint are not allowed in the landfill due to their toxic nature.

Appliances – Appliances that contain refrigerants like freon, such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioning units and water coolers can be dropped off. Before disposal, the landfill will utilize a certified party to evacuate the freon gas. That evacuation is performed at the landfill.

Computers – A local electronics refurbisher uses some of the e-waste components for repairs.

Tires – This is one of few items where a small fee is charged for a drop-off. The tires are then sent to a recycle facility in Salt Lake City.

Free services benefiting the community

It's free to drop off household waste at the Washington County Landfill with the exception of tires. Kunz said most items can be accepted as long as they are not liquid.

"We are a solid waste facility, so we don't allow liquids to come into the landfill itself," Kunz said.

A household hazardous waste disposal program is offered two days a year at the Washington County Landfill. This program costs about $50,000 per session, but Kunz believes it's worth the money because it safely cleans up the environment and ensures hazardous waste is dealt with properly.

The next household hazardous waste day is scheduled for Oct. 14, from 8 a.m. to noon, at the landfill.

In the meantime, residents can continue to bring in their hazardous items to be disposed of in the appropriate places at the landfill. Click here for more information on household hazardous waste, recycling or waste disposal.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.

Adele Park is an Audie Award winning writer, producer, voice artist and editor. After receiving a bachelor of humanities and fine arts from Mesa College, Park embarked on a radio and TV career spanning more than 30 years. Park is owned by a long-haired Siberian cat named Allison.

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