Almost every basement and shed cleanout turns up a shelf of half-used paint cans, old motor oil, and mystery chemicals. None of it belongs in the trash, and many junk haulers won't take hazardous waste either. Here's how to get rid of it the right way in Philadelphia.
What counts as household hazardous waste
The city's hazardous waste collection events accept a long list of materials, including:
- Oil-based paint, stains, varnish, and spray paint
- Motor oil, antifreeze, brake and transmission fluid, and gasoline
- Pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, and rat poison
- Pool chemicals, drain cleaners, degreasers, and solvents
- Auto and lead-acid batteries, plus lithium and NiCad batteries
- Fluorescent bulbs, mothballs, roofing tar, and glue
Latex paint is the exception
Water-based latex paint is handled differently. The city's sanitation convenience centers accept latex or water-based paint cans only if the paint has been solidified first. Stir in kitty litter, shredded newspaper, or a paint hardener, let it dry until it's solid, and leave the lid off so it's easy to confirm. Oil-based paint still has to go to a hazardous waste event.
2026 collection events
Philadelphia's household hazardous waste events run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and you don't need to register. They're open to residents of Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties. The remaining 2026 dates on the city's schedule are:
- Saturday, October 10, 2026: Southwest Philadelphia, 3033 S. 63rd St.
- Saturday, November 7, 2026: Port Richmond, 3901 N. Delaware Ave.
Schedules can change, so check the city's hazardous waste page before you go. Businesses have to use a private service.
Transporting it safely
- Never mix chemicals together, even to "consolidate."
- Keep everything in its original container with the label on.
- Seal lids tightly. If a container won't close, put it in a sealed plastic bag.
- Wrap anything breakable in newspaper, pack it all in a sturdy box, and secure the box so it can't slide around in your car.
Not accepted at the events
Electronics go to a sanitation convenience center instead; see our electronics guide. Explosives or ordnance should never be moved. Call your local police district.
How we handle it during a cleanout
When we clear a basement, garage, or shed, we'll set any hazardous materials aside for you so they can go to a collection event, and haul everything else. That way the dangerous stuff ends up where it's supposed to. Get a free quote for your cleanout.