Household Hazardous Waste
Q: What is Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)?
A: HHW is all types of chemicals found and used in one's home. It becomes a 'waste' when you make the decision to dispose of the product.
Q: What types of chemicals are HHW?
A:
- Paints
- Mineral Spirits
- Used Motor Oil
- Antifreeze
- Flourescent Light Bulbs
- Pesticides
Q: What can I do with HHW if I live in Fairhope?
A: In 1995, Fairhope developed a Household Hazardous Waste drop off site at the Transfer Station o f Public Works, 555 South Section Street. Please bring in your unwanted chemicals and place them on the designated cart for HHW. Our Transfer Station is open Monday through Friday, 7am - 3:45pm and Saturday from 7am - 3pm.
Q: Is it illegal for me to place chemicals with my garbage?
A: HHW is currently non-regulated by ADEM, which means that it is legal to place them for disposal in your garbage container. Some chemicals can even cause injury to sanitation crews when emptying garbage cans. There is a better way.
Q: What guidelines do I need to follow when bringing in HHW?
A: Make sure all containers are labeled with contents, and all containers are secure (non-leaking). Paint cans that are “mostly empty” (nothing but residue) may be discarded in your garbage can. The same goes for aerosol cans.
Q: Is there a fee for this service?
A: No, this service is free to incorporated citizens of Fairhope. If you are not in the incorporated city limits, please call your local Public Works Department or County Landfill office to find out about your disposal options. Our HHW drop off site does, however, accept motor oil and antifreeze from anyone.
Q: What happens to the chemicals I drop off at the HHW Center?
A: These materials are sorted at the end of the day, categorized and drummed according to contents. The drums of chemicals are then shipped off periodically for remediation. Remediation can include reconditioning back into the original product, reuse in the community, fuel use alternative, or neutralization/incineration.