The household special waste (HSW) drop-off depot accepts chemical waste generated in your home. Businesses must contact a private hazardous materials handling company for disposal. Business waste is not accepted at the HSW facility.

20 Horseshoe Lake Drive, Bayer’s Lake Business Park, Halifax

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Household special waste depot schedule

The permanent Household Special Waste depot will reopen September 12. Please expect delays and follow Public Health orders.
The depot is open on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. as follows:

September 5 – CLOSED
September 12 – OPEN
September 19 – OPEN
September 26 – OPEN

October 3 – OPEN
October 10 – CLOSED
October 17 – OPEN
October 24 – OPEN
October 31 – OPEN

November 7 – OPEN
November 14 – CLOSED
November 21 – OPEN
November 28 – OPEN

December 5 – OPEN
December 12 – OPEN
December 19 – OPEN
December 26 – CLOSED

Safe Storage of Household Special Waste

Health Canada offers the following advise for safe storage of household chemicals:

• Store in original containers and according to instructions.
• Keep all safety information.
• Keep out of sight and out of reach of children and pets.
• Store paints, solvents, gasoline, fuels, varnishes and other products that may release harmful fumes or catch fire outside of your home.
• If possible, store products in a separate building that is not connected to your home’s ventilation system.
• Avoid storing chemical products in areas with fluctuating temperatures.
• Regularly check containers for leaks or damage.

For more information on the use and storage of household chemicals, visit the Government of Canada.

Mobile community events (2020)

Due to budget considerations given the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mobile HSW drop-off events for 2020 have been cancelled.

What can I drop-off at the HSW depot?

The following household special waste items can be processed at the HSW depot:

• batteries (or check Call2Recycle to find another location to return batteries)
• leftover paint and empty paint cans (or Paint Recycling Program)
• corrosive cleaners
• pesticides and herbicides
• gasoline and fuel oil (or find a collection facility with Atlantic Used Oil Management Association)
• used motor oil (or find a collection facility with Atlantic Used Oil Management Association)
• solvents and thinners
• pharmaceuticals and drugs (or return to pharmacy)
• aerosol cans containing hazardous substances
• BBQ propane tanks (or return to tank exchange)
• small propane cylinders (i.e. for camp stoves and propane torches)
• CFL and fluorescent bulbs
• residential fire extinguishers (empty fire extinguishers up to 5 lb may be placed in the garbage)

Electronics and sharps are not accepted at the HSW depot.

Empty paint cans

Dry or empty paint cans are now accepted for recycling at the HSW drop-off depot/events or Paint Recycling Program drop-off locations.  Brushes, and rollers should go in your regular garbage.

Products containing mercury

The following are products that contain mercury:

• CFL and fluorescent bulbs
• thermostats
• household thermometers
• button cell batteries

Dan-X Recycling (64 Trider Cres, Burnside) also accepts CFL and fluorescent bulbs from residents and businesses. Inquire with Dan-X Recycling for the costs associated with these services.