Disposing of Household Hazardous Waste

Grand Prairie residents have the option of taking household hazardous waste to the Environmental Collection Center in Fort Worth or bringing it to a local collection event here in Grand Prairie.

What is Household Hazardous Waste?

Any household product that you no longer want, but which should not be put in the garbage or washed down the drain, is considered household hazardous waste (HHW). Some examples are:

Many of these items are toxic, corrosive, or flammable. All of them have the potential to adversely impact the environment if not disposed of properly. 

Toxic – has the ability to cause illness or injury if inhaled, ingested, absorbed through the skin, or injected. Toxicity is measured by how much of the substance is required to produce harmful effects. Products which may contain toxic substances include pesticides and herbicides, household cleaners, antifreeze, compact fluorescent lights, and pharmaceuticals.

Corrosive – dissolves metals or burns the skin. Household products which may contain corrosive ingredients include pool chemicals, household cleaners, rust removers, and drain openers.

Flammable – ignites more easily or at lower temperatures. Common flammable products include gasoline, solvents (mineral spirits, paint thinner, nail polish remover), adhesives, charcoal, and mothballs. Some items, such as bleach and hydrogen peroxide, are not flammable, but they may help cause or accelerate combustion.

Why can’t I put it down the drain?

Greasy wastes, such as cooking oil, will clog sewer lines if poured down the drain. Others, such as cleaning and laundry products, are designed to go down the drain when used according to the directions. However, the drain should not be used as a disposal mechanism for leftover or unwanted chemicals. The wastewater treatment system can not remove all contaminants, so whatever remains goes into the rivers and lakes.

Treatment plants were not designed to remove pharmaceuticals, so medications should never be flushed or washed down the drain.   

Household hazardous waste drop-off events are scheduled several times a year free of charge for Grand Prairie residents. Please click here to register for the next Household Hazardous Waste collection event.

We will NOT accept explosives, gas cylinders (propane, freon, helium, etc.), fireworks, medical waste, radioactive materials, or municipal trash. No commercial waste will be accepted.

Environmental Collection Center drop-off location 

Household hazardous waste may also be dropped off by Grand Prairie residents free of charge at Fort Worth's Environmental Collection Center (ECC), 6400 Bridge St. near I-30 and Loop 820. The ECC is open on Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A current water bill or drivers license is required as proof of residency. For more information call the ECC at (817) 392-3279.

 http://www.gptx.org/GPTX/EnvironmentalServices/HHWasteVoucher/