Home Toxics Information

  • Household Special Waste

    Household Special Waste or HSW, refers to a wide variety of commonly generated household chemicals and other items that can be a problem to dispose of properly. HSW includes all types of paint, varnish, paint thinner, motor oil, antifreeze, gasoline, lawn and garden products, cleaning products, pool and hobby chemicals, aerosols, etc. Throwing these items into the trash can pose a health and safety risk to trash collection personnel as well as cause harm to our natural environment. The best alternative is to use up the product completely or find someone who can use the remainder of the product.

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  • Acceptable HSW Items
    Our Program

    The Mid Michigan Waste Authority operates a drop-off program for Saginaw County residents to allow for safe and proper disposal of HSW items. These one-day drop-off events are open to all Saginaw County residents free of charge, and no appointment is necessary.

    2011 Drop-off event
    Saturday, July 23
    9am-1pm
    Arthur Hill H.S. Saginaw (Enter off of Malzahn Street)

    Here’s how it works:
    • Free of charge.
    • No appointment necessary.
    • Household waste only.
    To participate you must:
    • Be a Saginaw County resident. Proof of residency is required.
    • Bring material in original labeled containers.
    • Bring material in 5 gallon or smaller containers. NO barrels.
    Special Notes:
    • Per Federal/State environmental law, we cannot accept business waste.
    • For safety reasons, containers are not returned.
    Transport your containers safely:
    • Keep products in original, labeled container.
    • Do NOT pour products together into one container.
    • Adequately seal all containers to prevent accidental spills.
    • Place the products in a box, bag or other container.
    • Secure the box in the trunk or rear section of your vehicle to prevent spillage in the event of sudden stops.
    Acceptable HSW Items
    Automotive Products
    • Used motor oil
    • Anti-freeze
    • Gasoline
    • Windshield washer fluid
    • Cleaning products
    • Lead-acid batteries
    Household Products
    • Fluorescent bulbs
    • Smoke detectors
    • Drain cleaner
    • Ammonia
    • Kerosene
    Home Improvement
    Lawn and Garden
    • Fertilizer
    • Weed killer
    • Pesticides
    • Insecticides
    • Herbicides
    • Pool Chemicals
    Miscellaneous
    • Lead
    • Mercury
    • Acids
    • Dyes
    • Degreasers
    Unacceptable HSW Items
    • Business wastes
    • Alkaline household batteries (safe to dispose of with regular trash)
    • Ammunition
    • Asbestos
    • Explosives
    • Tires
  • Other HSW programs
    Other HSW programs

    The Saginaw, Midland and Bay County Health Departments also offer HSW services. Events are by appointment only and open only to residents of the sponsoring county. For Health Department event details, call your local department:

  • Mercury
    Mercury

    CFL MercuryMercury, common in home thermometers, thermostats and fluorescent bulbs, can harm human health and the environment if spilled.

    DO NOT VACUUM up any spilled mercury. Instead, follow these steps:

    Mercury Cleanup:
    • Use two pieces of paper and an eyedropper to scoop up mercury droplets.
    • Place mercury in a plastic or glass jar.
    • Put the paper used for clean up into a plastic bag.
    • Bring the plastic bag and the contained mercury to a mercury drop off day or a household hazardous waste collection day.

    A free booklet detailing how to properly handle home mercury spills is available from Saginaw County Department of Public Health (SCDPH) or MMWA. SCDPH can be reached at 989-758-3686 or www.saginawpublichealth.org.

    Residential mercury drop off and thermometer exchange days are offered several times each year by MMWA in partnership with the Saginaw County Department of Public Health.

    The thermometer exchange program is part of The Michigan Thermometer Exchange Program funded by General Motors Corporation and Saginaw Metal Castings Operation, and endorsed by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The program is managed and distributed by the Michigan Association for Local Public Health.

    For more on the health hazards of mercury and what you can do to protect yourself and your family, please visit www.michigan.gov/mercury for The Michigan Department of Community Health’s Mercury Information page.

    For more on CFL recycling in Michigan, please visit www.recycleyourcfl.com or www.RecycleTHATCFL.com.

  • The Listings on this website do not constitute an endorsement by Mid Michigan Waste Authority. The information provided is not all inclusive and is subject to change without notice.

  • Household Hazardous Waste Guide
  • Landfill Banned Waste Guide
  • Paint Renew Program
  • Paint How To

  • Upcoming Events

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  • Volunteer Now - Click Here

  • Several times a year MMWA holds events that bring about the need for volunteers. Without volunteers the events could not be as successful as they are. If you are interested in volunteering at an MMWA event please go to Volunteer Match to view or sign up for upcoming opportunities.

 
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