By 1808Delaware
If your garage shelves are groaning under half‑empty paint cans and dusty electronics, relief is on the way. On Saturday, May 17 from 8 AM – 2 PM the City of Westerville will stage its spring Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection at the Public Service Complex, 350 Park Meadow Rd. (Enter from Schrock Rd.). The drive‑through event lets residents hand off hard‑to‑dispose‑of items without ever leaving the driver’s seat—protecting both personal health and local waterways in one quick errand.
What’s Welcome in Your Trunk
| Category | Examples You Can Bring |
|---|---|
| Flammables | Gasoline / oil mixes, kerosene, lighter fluid, paint thinner |
| Toxics | CFL bulbs, insecticides, rat poison, mercury & Ni‑Cad batteries |
| Reactives | Pool or strong household chemicals |
| Corrosives | Drain cleaners, bleach, antifreeze, paint strippers |
| Electronics | TVs, computers, phones, cameras, VCRs, copiers, loose wires |
| Fats / Oils / Grease | Cooking oils in sealed containers |
| Extras | Up to four passenger‑car tires, vape pens |
| Paint Rules | Oil‑based paints: free drop‑off Latex/water‑based: $1 per gallon—OR dry it out at home and put it in regular trash |
Heads‑Up: No document shredding, propane tanks over 20 lbs, ammunition, medical waste, or asbestos will be accepted.
Why Proper Disposal Matters
Pouring solvents down the drain or tossing batteries into the trash can leach toxins into soil and groundwater. Westerville’s twice‑a‑year HHW program diverts thousands of pounds of dangerous material from landfills, safeguarding the Scioto and Olentangy watersheds while keeping sanitation crews safe. It’s also a chance to clear storage space without guilt—knowing every drop, bulb, and circuit board is processed by certified recyclers.
Breeze Through Like a Pro
- Pack smart: Keep chemicals upright in original containers when possible.
- Separate categories: Place oils, paints, and electronics in different boxes for faster unloading.
- Stay in your vehicle: Trained staff will remove items—just pop the trunk.
- Beat the rush: Early birds (8–10 a.m.) typically experience the shortest wait times.
Looking Ahead: Fall Collection on Oct. 4
Can’t make the May event? Mark your calendar for Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, same time and place. The City’s twice‑yearly cadence means you never have to stash hazardous leftovers for long.
Need More Info?
Visit Westerville.org/HHW for the full accepted‑items list, or contact the Department of Public Service at (614) 901‑6740 or [email protected]. Do your part on May 17—Westerville (and your garage) will thank you.
