The Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority’s Household Hazardous Waste Facility, located at 824 Sewage Plant Road in Utica, will be closing for the 2026 season on Wednesday, September 30th. The facility will reopen on Thursday, April 1st, 2027.
Since the Authority started collecting HHW in 1992, over 1 million gallons of HHW have been collected for proper disposal. In the 2025 season, 23,874 gallons of HHW were safely treated and 30,915 gallons of paint were recycled through the PaintCare program.
Household hazardous waste includes common products that can be flammable, corrosive, reactive or otherwise hazardous when improperly stored or disposed of. Examples include:
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· Paint, paint thinner and paint stripper |
· Gasoline and kerosene |
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· Pool and spa chemicals |
· Cleaning solvents and degreasers |
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· Adhesives, glues and sealants |
· Rust removers and preventatives |
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· Furniture strippers |
· Chemistry and photographic chemicals |
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· Pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers |
· Wood preservatives and stains |
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· Drain and oven cleaners |
· Products identified as hazardous on their label |
Proper Disposal Matters!
Household hazardous waste doesn’t simply disappear when it is thrown in the trash, poured down a drain or dumped on the ground. Improper disposal creates hazards for people, waste workers and the environment.
Gasoline and kerosene can create fire hazards and contaminate soil and water.
Pesticides and herbicides are designed to affect certain living organisms and can harm others when they enter the environment improperly.
Fertilizers can contribute excess nutrients to waterways when they are released into the environment, affecting water quality and aquatic ecosystems.
Paints, solvents and degreasers can contain chemicals that are hazardous to handle and can contaminate the environment when improperly disposed of.
Pool chemicals and corrosive cleaners can create dangerous reactions when mixed with other materials and can be hazardous to people handling waste.
Proper disposal gives these materials the right destination and helps protect waste workers, water, soil, wildlife and our local communities overall.
Before You Stop By
Keep products in their original containers and try to keep their labels intact. The label contains helpful information on how to use, store and dispose of the product. Containers should be securely closed and products should never be mixed together. HHW employees are trained on how to identify unknown items as well as the proper handling of these materials. Residents can drop off 15 gallons and/or 20 pounds of HHW each day. Containers over 5 gallons are not accepted. Certain businesses may qualify to use the facility but must obtain prior approval by contacting the Authority at 315-733-1224 or ohswa@ohswa.org. HHW is not accepted at the Authority’s Rome location or Regional Landfill.
Other Disposal Options
The Authority’s Utica and Rome EcoDrop facilities remain open year-round for items such as electronics, appliances, tires, rechargeable batteries, motor oil and other items outside of regular curbside garbage and recycling. The PaintCare program has also established year-round drop off sites throughout our area for paint and related items. To learn more about the PaintCare program and to find a site near you visit www.paintcare.org.
Some items are subject to a disposal fee. The Utica EcoDrop is located at 824 Sewage Plant Road and is open Monday-Friday 8am-4pm and Saturday 7am-2pm. The Rome EcoDrop is located at 575 Perimeter Road and is open Monday-Friday 8am-4pm and Saturday 8am-12pm.
How to Minimize Household Hazardous Waste
· Buy only what you need. Check the label and estimate how much you will actually use before purchasing a product.
· Use up product as intended. If a product is still usable, finish it before purchasing a replacement.
· Choose less hazardous alternatives. Look for water-based, non-toxic or less-toxic products when they are appropriate for the job.
· Share or donate usable products. If you have a product you no longer need, consider whether a friend, neighbor or community organization could use it.
· Follow the label. Use and store chemicals according to manufacturer’s directions.
· Store products safely. Keep hazardous products in their original containers with labels intact and away from children, pets, heat and sources of ignition.
· Never mix chemicals. Mixing household chemicals can cause dangerous reactions or release hazardous fumes.
Even with careful purchasing and use, some household products eventually become unwanted or unusable. When that happens, make sure they make it to the right place.
For more information on the end of the HHW collection season, please visit www.ohswa.org or contact the Authority at 315-733-1224 or ohswa@ohswa.org. The Authority can also be found on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.