Many pesticides, weed killers, automotive products, cleaning products and hobby supplies that we use in our homes contain toxic chemicals that become hazardous waste. If we simply toss these products in the garbage, pour them down the drain, or dump them onto the ground, the result can be pollution to our soil and water. A household hazardous waste program was established to assist Macomb County residents with proper disposal of these items from their residence. We cannot accept business waste. If your waste is generated from or through a business you must contact a licensed hazardous waste disposal company. Please contact the Michigan Department of Great Lakes, Environment and Energy for more information.
Please check back in March 2024 to reserve a time at one of our household hazardous waste events.
*We reserve the right to limit quantities accepted at HHW collections. This is an outdoor collection site so please check the website or call the hotline the day of event to confirm hours as they may be adjusted due to extreme weather conditions. Hotline # 586-466-7923
Directions to the Mt. Clemens Collection Site (map)
The center is located at 43525 Elizabeth Road (adjacent to the Macomb County Jail) which is approximately 1 mile south of Hall Road on the west side of Groesbeck Hwy.
- From the South: Follow Groesbeck north to Elizabeth Road. Turn left at the traffic light onto Elizabeth. Turn left onto Dunham Road which is located between the jail and the cemetery. Look for the Hazardous Waste Collection signs and follow them to the collection area.
- From the North: Follow Groesbeck (or North Avenue) south to Elizabeth Road. Turn right at the traffic light onto Elizabeth. Turn left onto Dunham Road which is located between the jail and the cemetery. Look for the Hazardous Waste Collection signs and follow them to the collection area.
What items do we accept?
- Computers or any other electronic devices - see E-Waste recycling below
- Latex paint - see "How to dispose of latex paint" below
- Automotive/marine batteries - return to battery retailer
- Household Batteries - contact your municipality or local waste hauler
- Propane tanks - contact your local propane distributor
- Ammunition and explosives - contact your local law enforcement agency
- Smoke detectors-return to manufacturer or wrap in newsprint and discard at curbside
- Controlled substances - For information on locations of disposal sites for controlled substances.
- Syringes and sharps - contact your local pharmacy or hospital . You may also dispose of your syringes and sharps in a puncture proof container, such as a designated sharps container or a plastic, empty laundry detergent container. Containers can be placed with your regular curbside refuse. The containers must be sealed and labeled as "sharps".
E-Waste recycling
Most electronic devices contain a variety of contaminants such as lead, cadmium, beryllium, or brominated flame retardants that can enter our environment. Recycling recovers valuable materials from electronics that can be used to make new products. As a result energy and existing natural resources are conserved by extracting fewer raw materials from the earth, and air and water pollution caused by hazardous disposal is avoided. Safe recycling of electronics supports responsible management of toxic chemicals such as lead and mercury. Additionally, recycling reduces the amount of greenhouse gas emissions caused by the manufacturing of new products.
Although the Macomb County Health Department cannot accept computers or any other electronic devices (e-waste) at this time, please check the resources below to find out if they are holding a collection event.
How to dispose of latex paint
1. Latex paint must be dried out or solidified prior to disposal. Use cat litter or other suitable absorbent material to dry out the paint.
2. Once the paint is solidified, leave the lid off the can and set it out for collection with your regular curbside refuse. Waste hauling companies cannot and will not accept liquid waste materials.
3. If you are unsure whether the paint is latex, refer to the clean-up instructions on the paint can. Clean-up for latex paint can be done using water.
Automotive products
- used motor oil
- used oil filters
- gasoline
- brake fluid
- antifreeze
- battery acid
- waxes, polishes, cleaners
- transmission fluid
Lawn & garden products
- pesticides
- weed killers
- fertilizers
- poisons
Medications
- non-narcotic medications
- over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, dietary supplements
- Please visit for our medication disposal program for more information.
Household products
- oven cleaner
- oil based paint
- muriatic acid
- rain cleaner
- solvents
- pool chemicals
- rat/ant poison
- unused aerosols
- lighter fluid
- nail polish & remover
- degreasers
- photography chemicals
- products containing mercury
- fluorescent tubes & compact fluorescent lamps
Other household hazardous waste collection events
- Please visit Statewide manufacturer electronic waste collection program, Michigan recycled materials market directory or Earth911 to find a list of recyclers in your area.
- Some Macomb County municipalities hold their own collection events. Please check with your community's public works department to find out if they are holding an event.
Contact the Environmental Health Services Division
Mt. Clemens: 586-469-5236 | Email: environmental.health@macombgov.org