Need To Get Rid Of Paint Cans, Pesticides? Tucson Collecting Household Hazardous Waste

TUCSON, AZ — If you've been waiting for a safe place to get rid of old paint, batteries, chemicals or electronics, mark your calendar: Tucson's Household Hazardous Waste Community Collection Events are returning Sept. 12 after the summer break.

The first event is scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 12, at Pima Community College East, 8181 E. Irvington Road, according to the city's Environmental Services Department.

Residents can bring a variety of household hazardous waste and electronic waste, including household chemicals, paint and stains, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, computers, televisions, printers, automotive fluids, pesticides and fertilizers, pool chemicals and aerosol cans.

Before heading to the event, the city recommends checking the complete list of accepted and nonaccepted materials at knowwheretothrow.com/hhw.

For City of Tucson residents, the program is free. Beginning this season, residents of Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita and unincorporated Pima County will pay a $15 fee to participate in the community collection events.

The city said the updated fee was approved by the Mayor and Council to help support the continued operation of the program.

All participants must provide proof of residency at check-in, such as a valid driver's license or current utility bill.

Can't make the Sept. 12 event? Tucson residents can also drop off household hazardous waste year-round at the Los Reales Sustainability Campus during regular drop-off hours.

The facility accepts household hazardous waste from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. It is closed on the second Saturday of each month, excluding summer months, according to the city.

The collection program is designed to keep potentially harmful materials out of landfills while giving residents a safe way to dispose of items that require special handling.

Collected materials are handled by trained professionals and, when possible, recycled, treated or disposed of using environmentally responsible methods. The city says the program helps protect soil, groundwater, wildlife and public health.

The Sept. 12 event at PCC East marks the return of Tucson's monthly community collection events following the summer break.