Household Hazardous Waste
Our annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event is organized by a private company that charges a fee for disposing of hazardous items. This event is exclusively for residents of Hamilton and Wenham. Please be prepared to show proof of residency, as ID may be requested. For any questions, contact the event organizers directly at 781-380-7100.
Next event date: October 4, 2025.
Acceptable Household Hazardous Waste Items
From the Workbench:
- Oil-Based Paints
- Stains & Varnishes
- Wood Preservatives
- Paint Strippers/Thinners
- Solvent Adhesives
- Lighter Fluid
- Rubber Cement, Airplane Glue
- Fiberglass Resins
- Aerosol Cans
- Photo Chemicals
From the Garage:
- Fuels/Gasoline/Kerosene
- Engine Degreaser
- Brake Fluid/Carburetor Cleaner
- Transmission Fluid
- Car Wax, Polishes
- Driveway Sealer
- Roofing Tar
From the House:
- Swimming Pool Chemicals
- Motor Oil
- Floor & Metal Polish
- Furniture Polish
- Oven Cleaner
- Drain & Toilet Cleaner
- Spot Remover
- Rug & Upholstery Cleaner
- Hobby Supplies, Artist Supplies
- Chemistry Sets
From the Yard:
- Weed Killer
- Chemical Fertilizers
- Flea Control Products
- Moth Balls
- Poisons, Insecticides, Fungicides
Non-Accepted Household Hazardous Waste Items
- Empty Containers/Trash
- Electronic Waste/Appliances
- Commercial or Industrial Waste
- Radioactive Waste, Smoke Detectors
- Infectious & Biological Wastes
- Ammunition, Fireworks, Explosives
- Fire Extinguishers
- Syringes
- Organic Peroxides
- Propane Tanks (contact retail distributor for disposal)
- Latex or Acrylic Paint Cans* (accepted in regular trash pick-up if empty/dry)
Transporting Hazardous Materials – CAUTION
- Leave materials in original containers.
- Tighten Caps and lids.
- Sort and pack separately: oil paint, pesticides, and household cleaners.
- Pack containers in sturdy upright boxes and pad with newspaper.
- NEVER MIX CHEMICALS.
- NEVER SMOKE while handling hazardous material.
Disposing Smoke Detectors
How to dispose of your smoke detectors
Disposing of Prescriptions
The Hamilton Police Department holds an annual National Take Back Prescription Day. Contact HPD for details.
