What is hazardous waste?
Hazardous waste is a waste with properties that make it dangerous or capable of having a harmful effect on human health or the environment (EPA). Common examples include paint, fluorescent light bulbs, pesticides, medical sharps, and gasoline.
How do you dispose of hazardous waste?
Metro facilities accept most hazardous waste. Disposal is free for households. There is a daily limit of 35 gallons of waste, measured by container size.
Businesses must apply for a permit, make an appointment, and pay a fee to dispose of hazardous waste.
There are also free household hazardous waste collection events throughout the greater Portland area. Find events here.
Metro Central
Location: 6161 NW 61st Ave, Portland, OR 97210
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Closed on Sunday)
Metro South
Location: 2001 Washington St., Oregon City, OR 97045
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
Metro accepts the following hazardous waste materials:
- Adhesives
- Aerosol cans that are not empty
- Ammunition, smaller than 0.50 caliber
- Asbestos-containing materials
- Automotive products
- Batteries
- Cleaning products
- Compressed gas cylinders
- Cooking oil
- Some explosives
- Fluorescent light bulbs
- Liquid mercury
- Medical sharps
- Paint, stains and sealants
- Personal care products
- Pool and spa chemicals
- Certain space heaters
- Yard chemicals
Metro does NOT accept the following hazardous waste materials:
- Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries
- Most explosives
- Large loads and containers. Bring waste in containers smaller than 5 gallons, if possible.
- Radioactive material