NEW – New to the Household Hazardous Waste Program is our “Unwanted Medication Disposal Program”. Due to recent findings reported across the United States, it has been shown that improper disposal of unwanted medications, has adverse effects on the environment. Improper disposal methods include flushing them down the toilet, and placing them in the landfill. In light of these reports the Household Hazardous Waste Program has started an "Unwanted Medication" disposal program.

Residents are allowed to bring their unwanted medications to the any of the three, following Solid Waste & Recycling locations.
Northwest Solid Waste Facility
14450 Landfill Rd
Brooksville, FL 34614

West Hernando Convenience Center
2525 Osowaw Blvd
Spring Hill, FL 34607

East Hernando Convenience Center
33070 Cortez Blvd
Ridge Manor, FL 33523

Residents must pour their own medication into a funnel, and take the empty medication bottles with them.

What is Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) ?

Household hazardous waste is defined as having one or more of the following four properties; flammable, corrosive, reactive, and toxic. Almost every home contains hazardous products, or products that can harm human health or the environment if improperly handled. They are products used in cleaning, home improvements, automobile maintenance, lawn and garden care, hobbies, and a variety of other tasks. The following commonly used household materials may have these properties:

	Pesticides and herbicides		Stale gasoline
	Oil-based paints		Household cleaners
	Latex Paint		Fluorescent Lamps & Ballasts
	Paint remover		Pool chemicals
	Paint thinner		Automotive Batteries
	Solvents		Rechargeable Batteries
	Used Oil		Used Electronic Devices
	Brake fluid		Sharps
	Antifreeze		Thermostats & Thermometers
	Diesel

When a residential household generates these wastes, they are known as "household hazardous waste" (HHW). Each year, thousands of people are injured by exposure or accident involving hazardous household products. Because of the dangers they pose, these products require special awareness, handling, and disposal. In order to protect health and environment, every consumer should know how to properly use, store, and dispose of hazardous household products. The disposal of household hazardous waste is exempt from some of the state and federal government regulations.

How should I prepare my Household Hazardous Waste for transport?

	Keep material in the original container with the label intact.
	Clearly label the container if the original label is missing.
	Label the container "UNKNOWN" if you do not know the material content. Include any information that you have about an unknown material (paint, insecticide, etc.).
	Make sure all lids are tight.
	Place leaking containers in a larger container with an absorbent (kitty litter or vermiculite).
	Do not mix different or unknown materials together. Some compounds are reactive and could vent toxic fumes.
	Secure glass bottles to prevent breakage.

Household Hazardous Waste Recommendations:

PLEASE DO

	Use nontoxic substitutes whenever possible.
	Buy only as much as you need.
	Follow label instructions.
	Give leftover materials to someone who can use it.
	Leftover household hazardous waste that can’t be given away should be taken to the HHWCC.
	Store materials in a cool, dry place.

PLEASE DON’T

	Do not mix household hazardous waste together.
	Do not pour household hazardous waste down drains or storm drains.
	Do not dispose of household hazardous waste with the trash.
	Do not bury household hazardous waste.
	Do not pour on the ground.

The HHWCC accepts residentially generated household hazardous waste from residents in Hernando County, at no cost. Residents of Citrus or Pasco Counties should call for information or disposal.

Annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days

If you have household hazardous waste and must dispose of it before the annual collection day, contact the Northwest Solid Waste and Recycling Facility located at 14450 Landfill Road, Brooksville (Phone 754-4906). The Northwest Solid Waste and Recycling Facility has an HHW collection center open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Small businesses in Hernando County that generate less than 25 gallons (220 pounds) per month, of hazardous waste have the opportunity to safely dispose of their hazardous waste during these collection days. The cost of this disposal will be at the same rate as the county’s contractual rate. Dates and time of the events will be announced.