Household Hazardous Waste


The primary purpose of the City of Odessa’s Household Hazardous Waste Program is to educate the public on the safe and proper handling and disposal of their retail household waste products that are considered hazardous if discarded in regular trash.

Definition

Household hazardous wastes are products which contain hazardous chemicals that are ignitable, corrosive, toxic or reactive. The hazardous chemical ingredients in these household materials should be handled and stored with care.

Look for these symbols on your household products:

Types of Hazardous Waste Warnings

Disposal

The Odessa Household Hazardous Waste department is here to assist you with the disposal of residential hazardous waste; commercial hazardous waste must comply with Texas and federal Hazardous waste regulations (Please visit the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality website for more information). Getting rid of unused household hazardous products down the drain, ground or sewage system negatively impacts and poses a threat to our drinking water and ecosystem. As residents of Odessa, we carry the responsibility of properly disposing our hazardous waste to protect our groundwater, soil, vegetation and wildlife. Improper disposal exposes our community to chemicals such as lead, mercury, acid and etc. 

  • Acids and Bases (pool chemicals, toilet bowl cleaners) are corrosive and will harm your skin, respiratory system and eyes.
  • Lead and mercury (thermometer, thermostat) are highly toxic and will have adverse effect if inhaled or ingested, take proper precautions when handling a product that contains these chemicals.
  • Propylene Glycol is found in antifreeze and it is extremely toxic when its used improperly. 

If you have a high quantity of hazardous waste that is not accepted by the city, you can always call the HHW center to inquire about which organizations can assist you or visit http://www.earth911.com/ to find vendors that can assist you with proper disposal of your wastes.

Household Hazardous Waste Facility

Many of the products used in homes contain hazardous chemicals that can pose a threat to the environment and our health. Take precaution while handling it, keep it away from children and find out the proper method of disposing of it.

Household Hazardous Waste Schedule

Closed: Sunday and Monday

Tuesday through Friday
8 am to 5 pm

Saturday
8 am to 2 pm

  1. Accepted Items
  2. Items Not Accepted

What You Can Bring

  • Alkaline batteries
  • Antifreeze 
  • Cooking oil
  • Corrosive cleaners (Example: drain cleaners and lye-based cleaners) 
  • Garden and lawn fertilizers, and pesticides*
  • Household cleaning products (soaps, detergents, bleach and etc)*
  • Household latex and oil-based paints* 
  • Household pesticides*
  • Lacquer 
  • Motor oil from Do It Yourself Projects
  • Paint Thinner 
  • Solvents 
  • Spray paints*
  • Stain 
  • Turpentine 

Items marked with an asterisk (*) can be picked up and reused by individuals and nonprofit organizations for free.

Safety Guidelines

  • Bring products in original labeled containers
  • Do not mix products (Extremely dangerous, even deadly) 
  • Follow the direction on the container to get rid of empty bottles and products
  • Items must be 5 gallons or less 
  • Place it upright in a sturdy box
  • Triple Rinse empty household hazardous products when you completely finish using it and discard it in the appropriate recycle/waste bin