Got Old Paint or Batteries? Washtenaw County Drop-Off Program Begins in April

Starting April 11, Washtenaw County residents can safely dispose of hazardous household items – from batteries and light bulbs to pesticides and mercury thermostats — at the Home Toxics Center in Scio Township on select Saturdays. 

The program is part of a county effort to keep harmful materials out of landfills and waterways. Collections run April through November. 

Residents can also use the Household Hazardous Waste Center located in Northville, which offers appointments Tuesday through Thursday year round.

Registration is required for both locations and opens 30 days in advance.

What’s Accepted

Accepted items include pesticides, oil, paint, old photography chemicals, cell phones and more. The sites are limited to household waste and do not accept materials from businesses or organizations, with the exception of pesticides.

Safe Storage and Transport

Residents are encouraged to properly label and package items before drop-off. For instance, medical sharps should be placed in red sharps containers or hard-sided plastic containers.

Batteries should be places together in clear plastic bags. The ends of lithium batteries should be covered with clear tape, separated from other household batteries.

Liquid mercury should be placed inside hard-sided containers with a secure lid and cushioned to prevent breakage.

Where It Goes

Collected materials are processed within the Midwest, often within 200 miles of Ann Arbor, according to the county. 

Flammables are processed in Detroit, aerosols in Romulus, fluorescent lights in Mason, cooking oils in Sandusky, poisons and household cleaners in New Boston and batteries in Wixom. Ohio also processes some of Michigan’s waste, including motor oil in Columbus and latex paint in Van Wert.

More information

The Home Toxics Center in Scio Township is located at 705 N. Zeeb Road in Ann Arbor, MI 48103. Call 734-222-3950 with questions or look online for drop off times, registration and a full list of accepted items, at https://www.washtenaw.org/287/Household-Hazardous-Waste-Disposal.

Note: The Household Hazardous Waste Center located in Northville is open year round. This has been updated from a previous edition of the article.