Household Hazardous Waste Program 
for Member Municipalities of
SOCRRA

To make an appointment, call (248) 288-5153 (see map).  
The phone line is sporadically staffed from 10 am - 4 pm, Mon-Fri.

What is Household Hazardous Waste?
Many common household products can pose a hazard to human health, groundwater and the environment if they are not handled properly for disposal. Placing items such as paint, automotive products, car batteries, pesticides and more in our trash is NOT the most environmentally sound way to get rid of them.  Using them up completely is the preferred alternative.  

This Household Hazardous Waste program offers residents a convenient and effective means of disposing of those household waste products which require special handling, processing and disposal.  There is no direct charge to you for this service.  The community in which you live will be assessed for disposal costs.

Read on for the complete list of typical "Household Hazardous Wastes."

What about COMPUTERS and other ELECTRONICS?

Old electronic equipment from homes can now be recycled through this program.  SOCRRA accepts computer monitors, CPUs, keyboards, printers, mice, hard drives, cables, motherboards, video boards, network cards, zip drives, laptops, television sets (except those in wooden cabinets), radios, telephones, cell phones, copy machines, fax machines, stereos (except those in wooden cabinets), VCRs, CD players, scanners, electronic games, camcorders, typewriters, etc.

Acceptable Household Hazardous Wastes
Please keep in original container and label.

1. Unlabeled wastes or containers with unknown contents

2. Waste generated by a business or industry

3. Radioactive materials

4. Explosives or shock-sensitive materials

5. More than 20 gallons of any material

6. Waste from cleanups or spills

7. More than 80 pounds of electronics

While you can always make an appointment to bring latex paint to SOCRRA, LATEX paint, (not OIL-BASED) can be dried and placed in your regular trash for disposal.

1.  Dry the latex paint in a well ventilated area, away from children and pets.
2.  Add absorbent material such as kitty litter or sawdust to help absorb the moisture.
3.  The dried paint can be placed in your regular trash.
4.  The empty container can be placed in the recycling bin with the lid off.

Remember these steps too!

• Buy only what you need... ask the paint stores, they are the experts!

• Store it properly, so it doesn't dry out... cover the opening with plastic wrap and fit the lid securely on, so the paint doesn't leak.  Store the can UPSIDE DOWN.  This helps to keep the paint fresh until you need it again.

• Use it all up!

• Try to donate the unused paint... local theater groups, schools and churches are good places to start.

• Always read labels carefully before buying and using hazardous products. Be aware of their uses and dangers. If directions are unclear, contact the manufacturer before using.

• Buy alternative household products which are not toxic. Look for "non-toxic" on label.

• Keep unused portions in their original containers with labels intact and readable. Knowing the contents could be a lifesaver in case of accidental poisonings.

• Store hazardous materials in a place inaccessible to children or pets.

• Reduce your waste and save money by purchasing only materials you need and will use.

• Avoid mixing different products. This can cause explosive or poisonous chemical reactions.

• Always use hazardous products in well ventilated areas. Wear protective gloves when warranted. Many hazardous products have dangerous fumes that can burn your skin or irritate your eyes, nose and throat.

• Look up the phone number of the poison control center and place it near or on your phone in case of actual or suspected poisonings.

Member Municipalities Include:
Berkley, Beverly Hills, Birmingham, Clawson, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Huntington Woods, Lathrup Village, Oak Park, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak and Troy.

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