E-Waste/Hazardous Waste

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E-Waste

Do not throw out old or expired electronics (e-waste or technotrash). Instead, you can reuse, resell or recycle most any electronic item and help keep waste and toxic material out of our landfills.

Examples of E-Waste:

  • TVs
  • Desktop computers
  • Laptop computers
  • Monitors
  • E-book readers (such as the Kindle and the Nook)

Electronic Recycling Options:

Hazardous Waste

The average household has more than 60 hazardous products throughout the home, including car products, oil paints and thinners, solvents, cleaners and pesticides. These products are commonly known as household hazardous waste (HHW).

An item is considered hazardous if it is toxic, flammable, corrosive or reactive. The labels will read DANGER, POISON, WARNING, or CAUTION. Hazardous materials should NOT be disposed of in your garbage. Instead, dispose of these items responsibly through a safe disposal sites suggested below, or visit Thurston County's HazoHouse. 

Examples of HHW Include:

  • Batteries
  • Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) bulbs
  • Kerosene, gasoline and propane tanks
  • Mercury-containing items (found in termometers, thermostats and switches)
  • Motor oil, cart batteries, transmission fluid
  • Paint

Hazardous Waste - Questions & Complaints: contact Thurston County at 360.867.2664

Safe Recycling and/or Disposal

Visit Thurston County's Safe Disposal and Recycling webpage for information on disposing specific items. Or, check our list of options for recycling and/or disposing of hazardous waste below.

Hazardous Item Disposal Options
Batteries
  • Some specialty stores will take back a variety of battery types from residents and businesses with a purchase. Visit www.WhereDoITakeMy.org for a list companies that accept batteries.
  • HazoHouse accepts rechargable batteries, but does not accept alkaline batteries from residents.
  • Check the Rechargeable Recycling Corporation website for a recycler near you: www.call2recycle.org.
  • Not sure what type of battery you have? Check out RBRC's helpful listing of battery types: www.call2recycle.org/batteries.
CFL bulbs (compact fluourescent lights, curly bulbs)
Kerosene, gasoline and propane tanks
  • Take back kerosene, gas or propane tanks to HazoHouse at the Thurston County Waste and Recovery Center.
Mercury-containing items (found in thermometers, thermostats and switches) 
  • Mercury does not break down in the environment and can build up in the food chain. It is a highly toxic element that can harm humans and animals. Take items containing mercury to HazoHouse; do not dispose in the garbage.
  • Visit www.WhereDoITakeMy.org for a complete A-Z listing of where to take different types of items.
Motor oil, car batteries and transmission fluid
Paint 

Safe Disposal at HazoHouse

HazoHouse offers a convenient way for residents and small quantity generators, like businesses, to safely dispose of toxic products that could otherwise harm people, pets, wildlife or the environment. Find location and hours by visiting the Thurston County HazoHouse webpage.

Safe Alternatives to Common Hazardous Household Products

Check our list of natural alternatives PDF that are good for you and the environment.

Safe Disposal of Medicine

When managed improperly, unused or expired medicine (over-the-counter and controlled substances) poses safety and environmental threats. You can lessen these risks:

Contact Information 

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