Household Hazardous Waste Facility

The Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility is located inside the Hidden Valley Transfer Station.

253-847-7555
253-847-7555
Aerial view of a large industrial recycling building with parked trucks and nearby residential neighborhood.
Hazardous Waste Disposal in Pierce County

HHW Drop-Off Guidelines

This is a Moderate Risk Waste Facility, which only accepts hazardous waste generated by Pierce County Households (no waste generated by businesses will be accepted).

Secured from unauthorized access, this facility provides separate areas for safe sorting and storage of

  • Flammables
  • Caustics
  • Toxics
  • Oxidizers
  • Acids

Please do not leave your Household Hazardous Waste at the Transfer Station when this facility is not open.

‍Hazardous conditions could occur placing others at risk unnecessarily.

What Items Are Considered Special Waste?

  • ‍Paint Related Materials: Oil-based, latex-based, and water-based paints, varnishes, stains, thinners, removers, paint strippers, etc.
  • Aerosols: Spray-paints, bug-sprays, oven cleaners, glass cleaners, de-greasers, rust removers, etc.
  • Pesticides: Weed killers, rat/mouse poisons, mole fumigants, flea &/or tick products, wood preservatives, ant or roach killers, insect repellents or killers.
  • Home Improvement Products: Adhesives, caulking, pvc/cpvc primers & cement, epoxy resins, etc.
  • Household Cleaners: Furniture polish, metal polish, drain openers, oven cleaners, tub & tile cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, carpet cleaners, spot removers, bleach, ammonia, glass cleaners.
  • Flammable liquids: Kerosene, gasoline, diesel, fuel oil, lighter fluid, mineral spirits, nail polish & polish remover.
  • Used Batteries: Automotive/Marine batteries, Rechargeable batteries (Ni-Cad, Li-Ion, Ni-MH, etc.), Non-rechargeable batteries (Alkaline, Dry cell).
  • Automotive & Marine Products: Antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, fuel additives, fiberglass resins, rubbing compounds, etc.
  • Pool and Spa Chemicals: Chlorine, bromine, pH adjusters, clarifiers, algaecides, etc. Please limit the amount of materials to less than 35 gallons or fewer than 35 items per visit.
  • Lighting: Contact Light Recycle Washington to find a location near you for disposal. (877) 592-2972 x354 or visit their website.

‍

  • ‍Explosives: Ammunition, primers, blasting agents, fireworks, etc.
  • Biological Wastes: Bodily fluids, infectious materials, sharps from commercial businesses (medical clinics, institutions, etc.). Sharps from residential sources are accepted in designated receptacles on site and must be placed in a marked, ridged and closed container. Please refer to Sharps Brochure.
  • Commercial Hazardous Wastes: No commercial items, regardless of CESQG status are accepted at this facility. Contact the Washington State Department of Ecology for assistance in properly disposing of hazardous wastes. Staff can provide contact numbers for Ecology and several hazardous waste contractors.
  • Other items as identified by Program Staff: Certain items may not be acceptable at this facility. Staff will identify these items and attempt to offer assistance in their proper disposal.
  • If possible, bring items in their original containers, or clearly mark on the container its contents.
  • Inspect containers for damage or leaks, and tighten all lids before transporting.
  • If the original container is leaking or damaged, place the entire container in a larger container such as a plastic 5 gallon pail. You may want to place some kitty litter in the pail to absorb any leaking material. Smaller items can be sealed in a Ziploc® type bag while larger ones may be placed in double garbage bags. In any of the above options, do not place different products in the same container.
  • If you wrap up a container so that the original label cannot be seen, clearly mark its contents and be sure to tell the collection staff what the contents are.
  • NEVER MIX CHEMICALS! Toxic fumes or an explosion can result and it prevents recycling of the materials.
  • Place containers upright in sturdy cardboard boxes or plastic trays, and pad with newspaper or kitty litter. You may even want to line your trunk or truck bed with plastic before you place items inside.
  • Secure the boxes to prevent them from sliding, spilling or otherwise being damaged.
  • Do not transport wastes in the same part of your vehicle as children or pets. Put containers in trunk or rear of your car (not on passenger seats). Come straight to the HHW facility or collection event to avoid any problems with the waste.
  • If you must transport items inside the car, keep the car ventilated and place combustibles out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
  • Don't eat, drink or smoke while handling household hazardous wastes or transporting them.
  • Wash your hands and face after handling these materials.

‍*If you are unsure what an item is please make sure staff are aware of it.*

Take the Lead in Safely Disposing of Batteries

Handle batteries with care to prevent fires. Never toss them in curbside bins; it's a matter of safety.

Battery Disposal
Battery Disposal
Helpful Resources

Household Hazardous Waste Contacts & Disposal Support

For Commercial Waste Management questions, see the following:

‍

  • Department of Ecology SW Region Dangerous Waste
    Specialist: (360) 407-6300
    For Assistance with regulatory information and your status as a Waste Generator visit the website‍
  • ‍Tacoma Pierce County Health Department Hazardous Waste
    Hotline: 1-800-287-6429
    For assistance determining the type of waste you generate, and its proper disposal: 253-798-6047, or visit the website
LRI Services

All Landfill and Transfer Station Services

LRI operates transfer stations, landfills, recycling facilities, and composting sites across Pierce County, authorized exclusively for materials generated within the county.

E-Waste

Yellow compost shredder machine inside a large covered facility with piles of organic waste.

Green Waste Processing & Composting

A blue truck unloading waste at a landfill site with bulldozers and piles of soil and trash.

Landfill & Transfer Stations

Cardboard boxes on conveyor belt inside recycling facility with 'HEAVY METALS' sign in background.

Recycle Center

Special Waste Disposal

Other Services

LRI Hidden Valley Services

Compost Factory

Leachate Plant

Recycling Center

Large container filled with crushed and whole aluminum cans for recycling in a processing facility.

Recycling Center

Aerial view of a waste transfer facility with trucks, service buildings, and surrounding grassy areas.

Transfer Stations