Household hazardous waste can threaten the quality of local drinking water supplies – and in turn, human health. Proper storage, handling and disposal of hazardous materials is critical in maintaining clean & safe drinking water sources.
In this article, we will discuss what household hazardous waste is, and then share information to assist you in locating your local household hazardous waste depots, and drop-off days within the Cataraqui Area.
So, what is hazardous waste? Hazardous waste is defined as waste that can pose a danger to the health of humans and/or the environment, particularly when handled and disposed of incorrectly. Common examples of household hazardous waste include:
- Pesticides
- Batteries
- Driveway Sealer
- Motor oils & fuels
- Paints & aerosol cans
- Household cleaners
- Pool chemicals
- Fluorescent light bulbs
- Fire extinguishers
- Thermometers/thermostats (containing mercury)
It is important to note that what is accepted as household hazardous waste may differ from municipality to municipality. The links below for each municipality will provide specific information on what is, and is not accepted as household hazardous waste, for your community.
What is the relationship between hazardous waste & drinking water?
When household hazardous waste products are improperly stored, used, or disposed of, these materials can enter drinking water supplies (both groundwater and surface water). These substances are highly toxic and when they enter our drinking water source, cause serious risk to human (and animal) health. Proper disposal of household hazardous waste materials will help to protect not only your local drinking water sources, but the health of yourself, your loved ones, and your neighbours.
Where do I dispose of household hazardous waste?
Household hazardous waste should always be brought to your local hazardous waste depot. If your municipality does not have its own depot, they will likely have designated days, locations, and times for hazardous waste drop-off. Generally, these events occur during the summer months, or early fall, and are advertised on your municipality's website.
See below for details on where to dispose of your household hazardous waste based on the Municipality you reside in:
City of Kingston and Loyalist Residents
Where: Kingston Household Hazardous Waste Depot (196 Lappan’s Lane, Kingston)
When: This drop-off location is open from April to November, on Thursdays (8 am-5 pm) and Saturdays (8 am and 4 pm).
More information, can be found here (Kingston/Loyalist).
Township of Frontenac Islands Residents
Where: Kingston Household Hazardous Waste Depot (196 Lappan’s Lane, Kingston)
When: This drop-off location is open from April to November, on Thursdays (8 am-5 pm) and Saturdays (8 am and 4 pm).
For residents of the Frontenac Islands, a drop-off fee of $43.45 per vehicle will be required.
More information is shared on the Township of Frontenac Islands website, as well as the City of Kingston page, linked above.
Township of South Frontenac Residents
Where: Sydenham Household Hazardous Waste Depot (2491 Keely Road, Sydenham)
When: This drop-off location is open from April to November, on Thursdays (3pm-8pm). From November to April, the facility is open on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month, between 3pm and 7pm.
More information is available on the South Frontenac website.
Township of Greater Napanee Residents
Where: GFL (Formerly Drain All) (444 Advance Avenue, Napanee)
When: Annual Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Day, occurring on Saturday, September 7th, 2024. As of the posting of this article, times are currently TBD.
Further details, including a list of acceptable waste items, can be found on the Greater Napanee website.
City of Brockville Residents
Where: Brockville Youth Arena
When: Annual Household Hazardous Waste Day on Saturday, August 24th, between 8 am and 2 pm.
Check out the City of Brockville website, and scroll down for the section on “Hazardous and Special Products (HSP),” for more details.
United Counties of Leeds and Grenville and Gananoque Residents
The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville host multiple Household Hazardous Waste Days each year, across the county. These drop-off events are free of charge for all residents of the United Counties of Leeds and Greville and Gananoque.
In 2024, there will be 3 dates, and 5 separate drop-off locations. These include:
-
Saturday July 6th, 2024, between 8:30 am and 2 pm
Location: The Lombardy Fair Grounds at 6 Kellys Road, Lombardy, Ontario
- Saturday August 17th, 2024, between 8:30 am and 2 pm
- Location 1: The North Leeds County Patrol Garage, at 331 City Road 29, North of Frankville.
- Location 2: The South Leeds County Patrol Garage, at 2714 Outlet Road, North of Lansdowne.
- Saturday September 21st, 2024, between 8:30 am and 2 pm.
- Location 1: The North Grenville County Patrol Garage, at 729 City Road 44, in Kemptville, Ontario.
- Location 2: At the Spencerville Fair Grounds, at the Goodin Road Entrance, in Spencerville, Ontario.
Residents of the following municipalities in the Cataraqui Area are instructed to attend the nearest drop-off event, hosted by UCLG: Town of Gananoque, Town of Elizabethtown-Kitley, Front of Yonge Township, Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands, Township of Rideau Lakes, and Township of Athens.
More information, and important updates, are available on the UCLG webpage.