Household Hazardous Waste
Information & Disposal Options
- Household Hazardous Waste Collection at Hartland
- Hartland Paint Exchange
- Other Disposal Options
HHW Collection at Hartland
What household hazardous wastes are accepted at the Hartland recycling area?
The Hartland recycling area accepts almost all types of household hazardous waste from residents only. The program does not include industrial waste from commercial businesses.
Click here for a complete list of HHW products accepted at the recycling area and alternatives for materials that are not part of the program.
Who can drop off household hazardous waste at Hartland?
All residents of the Capital Region are eligible to drop off household
hazardous wastes from their homes.
The program does not accept industrial wastes from commercial businesses.
Businesses are asked to use private hazardous waste management companies
to dispose of their hazardous waste.
Is there a fee for bringing my household hazardous waste to Hartland?
There is no charge for dropping off residential HHW at the recycling area.
Why can’t I put hazardous materials in the garbage or down the drain?
HHW is dangerous to people, pets and the environment. If hazardous wastes are put in the garbage or poured into the sewer or storm drain, they create environmental and public health hazards. If disposed of incorrectly, toxic materials can harm aquatic life, destroy sensitive ecosystems and pollute recreational sites and water supplies. They may be unsafe for sewage or garbage operators and can damage equipment.
How should I transport hazardous wastes to Hartland?
Hazardous products require safe, responsible handling. They should be transported in labelled, sealed containers. Whenever possible, bring HHW in the original container. Do not mix wastes.
What if I can’t identify an old product I find in my home?
Simply bring the product to the Hartland recycling area. Hartland staff have experience identifying products and know how to deal safely with unidentified materials.
How do I find the recycling area at Hartland landfill?
Hartland landfill is located at the end of Hartland Avenue off West Saanich Road. The recycling area is located to the left of the entrance. Just follow the signs to the general public weigh scale. If you are only dropping off HHW there is no charge. Please inform the scale attendant.
What happens to the hazardous wastes collected at Hartland?
The materials are packed into containers, then placed in a truck and transported by barge to a warehouse in Richmond. Once there, the waste is re-sorted and sent to the appropriate facilities for treatment or disposal. The disposal method depends on the type of product: some is sent to Swan Hills in Alberta for incineration; PCBs go to Quebec; some pesticides are incinerated, while others go to secure landfills in BC; solvents and waste oils are recycled or reused in heat recovery fuel in Alberta.
How much does it cost to dispose of HHW?
HHW disposal is expensive. The disposal costs depend on the type of product and can range from over $100 for a pail of cyanide to over $300 a drum for pesticides.
How can I reduce my use of HHW?
The best way to reduce the amount of hazardous materials being sent to landfills or flushed down drains is to avoid purchasing and using them. Whenever possible, use alternatives. For example, vinegar and baking soda are excellent natural alternatives to chemical cleaners. If you must purchase HHW products, limit the amount you buy, properly store what you don’t use, and dispose of excess materials appropriately at facilities like the recycling area at Hartland landfill.
Hartland Paint Exchange
Hartland offers the only paint exchange program in the region. Residents can drop off and pick up leftover paint (with the exception of spray paints) at no charge. Look for the marked paint exchange bins and cupboards in the recycling area. You are asked to fill out a form before taking or dropping off paint. An attendant is available if you require assistance.
Other Disposal Options
The following two locations in the Capital Region accept solvents, flammable liquids, gasoline, pesticides and paint only:
The following six locations in the Capital Region accept paint only:
- Oak Bay Municipal Yard
- Saanich Municipal Yard
- Sidney Bottle Depot
- Sooke and District Garbage Depot
- Pender Island Recycling Depot
More information on the items accepted at these locations can be found through the Product Care Association.
