FAQs—Hazardous Waste

1. How do I know if something is hazardous waste?

   Hazardous waste is a waste with properties that make it dangerous or potentially harmful to human health or the environment. Examples of materials include cleaners, pesticides, leftover paint, solvents, automotive fluids, and propane tanks. Hazardous wastes can be liquids, solids, contained gases, or sludge. Look for WARNINGS on labels. For questions about a specific material, call Metro’s Recycling Hotline at (503) 234-3000 for more information.

2. Where can I dispose of hazardous materials ?

   Beaverton residents can dispose of hazardous waste at Metro’s Transfer Stations. Metro also conducts Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events throughout the region. Several of these are held in Beaverton on Fridays and Saturdays from March to November.

3. What do I do with propane canisters?

   Pressurized propane canisters (both 20 pound BBQ and 16 ounce camping sizes) need to be processed as hazardous waste due to their explosive nature. Canisters can be taken to Metro Central’s Hazardous Waste Depot and at scheduled Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events in the region. Staff will empty the canister and recycle when possible.

4. Where can I recycle electronic equipment?

   Many electronic components such as computers, monitors, and stereos contain lead, heavy metals, and other toxic materials. Options for reuse or recycling include:

   • Recycle or Donate:  Call the City Recycling Program to get up-to-date information about donation and/or recycling options.
   • Return to manufacturer:  Some original equipment manufacturers have programs to take back computers. Check the company’s Web site for details.

5. What do I do with used batteries?

   Used batteries can be taken to Metro Central’s Hazardous Waste Depot. The facilities are open year-around and do not charge for this service. Metro also sponsors Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events every weekend from March to November. Used batteries can be taken to Metro Central’s Hazardous Waste Depot. The facilities are open year-around and do not charge for this service. Metro also sponsors Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events every weekend from March to November.

   • ALKALINE BATTERIES—Disposal of “household quantities” of alkaline batteries is allowed in your garbage container, however the best environmental practice is to take batteries to a hazardous waste facility.
   • RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES—Can be taken to many retailers for recycling. Please visit the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporations www.rbrc.org to find a retailer or call 1-800-8-BATTERY or 1-877-2-RECYCLE.

   [ TOP ]

6. How do I dispose of tires?

   Tires can be picked up by your garbage hauler (for a fee) or they may be taken to a transfer station or landfill for recycling (for a fee). Please call the Beaverton’s Solid Waste and Recycling Program at (503) 526-2665 or the Metro’s Recycling Hotline at (503) 234-3000.

7. What do I do with used motor oil?

   Used motor oil can be recycled curbside, using the following guidelines:

   • Pour into a clear, plastic container with a screw-top cap (i.e. a one-gallon milk jug)
   • Place next to your red glass recycling bin (your motor oil actually gets picked up by the glass recycling truck)
   • The red bin serves as a signal to the truck driver.  Even if you do not have glass in your bin, place your red bin at the curb so the driver stops to collect your oil.
   • Do not mix anything with motor oil.  Your hauler will refuse to pick it up.

8. What can I do with used oil filters?

   Oil filters can be disposed of at Metro Central’s Hazardous Waste Depot, Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events or they can be thrown away in your garbage. It is best to place them in a plastic bag to prevent leakage.

9. What can I do with fluorescent tubes/bulbs?

   Residents are encouraged to recycle fluorescent lights and compact fluorescent tubes (due to their mercury content) using local recyclers. Call Metro’s Recycling Hotline at (503) 234-3000 for the details. Although it is best to recycle your fluorescent lights, residents can put them in a garbage container, only if they are wrapped and taped entirely in newspaper or contained in the original packaging and they fit entirely into the garbage container. It is important that the tubes are wrapped to prevent injuries to the garbage collectors and passersby.

10. What do I do with sharps(i.e. insulin syringes, lancets, etc.)?

    Sharps (needles, lancets, and syringes) are hazardous waste and must be disposed of properly. Do not place sharps into your garbage roll-cart. Containers such as milk jugs and coffee cans are not safe for sharps storage. Your garbage collector is prohibited from collecting garbage that contains sharps. Please return full sharps containers to a certified biohazard disposal facility or talk to your local pharmacy.

    • Metro ”Sharps Program“ Metro Central’s Hazardous Waste Depot accepts sharps in approved containers. There is a one-time $5 container/participation fee and then each time you drop off a full container, they will give you an empty one to reuse. Please call (503) 234-3000.

11. Tell me more about Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events.

    Hazardous household products can pose a threat to human health or the environment if they are not disposed of properly. These types of products should not be placed in the trash, down the drain, into storm drains or burned. Metro’s free Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event take place weekly from March to November. You also can take your toxic trash year-round to Metro Central’s Hazardous Waste Depot seven days per week. For locations and a schedule call (503) 234-3000 or check the Metro Web site. To minimize risk from accidental spills or dangerous mixing of materials, please prepare and transport your materials properly:

    • Keep products in original containers when possible. If a product does not have its original label, label it yourself if you are sure of the contents.
    • Make sure products are properly sealed to prevent leaks and spills.
    • Pack containers in sturdy boxes in the trunk of your vehicle, away from drivers, passengers and pets.
    • Containers and boxes, including gasoline cans, cannot be returned to you, so make sure you do not need the container for future use.
    • Do not mix products together. Dangerous reactions can occur when some materials are mixed.
    • Do not put items in plastic bags.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)—Select a topic:
Garbage | Recycling | Yard Debris
Hazardous Waste | Apartments

Find a Recycler

Find My Hauler

FAQs

Online Resources

Order Brochures

Recycling Depots

Request Info–Houses

Request Info–Apartment

Request Info–Workplace

Videos

Seasonal Information