For hazardous waste disposal in Phoenix, most residents should start with the city's free household hazardous waste (HHW) home collection, which picks up items like paint, chemicals and batteries once per calendar year. Some items have simpler options: dried latex paint and empty small camping cylinders can go in the trash under Maricopa County guidance. What you should never do is put hazardous waste in your bins or out for bulk trash.
What counts as household hazardous waste
Household hazardous waste is any leftover product from your home that can catch fire, react, corrode or poison. Common examples include:
- Paint, stain, varnish and paint thinner
- Motor oil, antifreeze and gasoline
- Pool chemicals
- Pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers with chemicals
- Cleaners, solvents and drain openers
- Aerosol cans
- Batteries, especially lithium-ion
- Some electronics
These are common finds in garage and estate cleanouts, so it helps to set them aside before the hauling starts.
Phoenix's free HHW home pickup: who qualifies, how to book
The City of Phoenix offers a household hazardous waste collection program for its residential customers. Here is how it works, based on the city's page:
- Only Phoenix residential solid waste customers qualify.
- Each household gets one home collection per calendar year.
- You need the account number from your City Services Bill to book.
- Available appointments show within the next 30 days.
- Pickups run from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Questions go to hhwcollection@phoenix.gov.
To prepare, put items in sealed containers inside a box labeled "HHW." Place the box by your garage or front door. Never put it at the curb.
The city's HHW Master List includes paint, chemicals, batteries, cylinders, aerosols, pool chemicals and electronics. It does not accept ammunition or explosives, biomedical waste, medications or sharps, business waste, or compressed gases such as MAPP and acetylene. Check the current list before you book, since program details can change.
If you live outside Phoenix, your city or Maricopa County may have its own HHW events or drop-off days. Check your city's site.
Paint: dry latex vs liquid and oil-based
Paint is the most common household hazardous item, and the right step depends on the type.
| Paint type | What to do |
|---|---|
| Dried latex paint | Once fully hardened, it can go in the trash under Maricopa County guidance |
| Liquid latex paint | Harden it first with a paint hardener or clay cat litter, then trash it |
| Oil-based paint, stain, thinner | Keep it sealed and use the city's HHW home collection |
| Spray paint and aerosols | Use the HHW home collection |
The Maricopa County FAQ explains that hardened, dried-out paint can go in the trash, and suggests a paint hardener or clay cat litter to dry out leftovers. Leave the lid off the can so your trash hauler can see it is solid.
Propane tanks: exchange, refill, or special disposal
Propane is where people most often get stuck. Here is what the county says:
- Fully emptied small camping cylinders (the 1-pound kind) can go in the trash, per the Maricopa County FAQ.
- Larger grill tanks may not go in the trash.
For a standard grill tank, the easiest options are usually to exchange it at a store that runs a tank exchange program, or to refill it and keep using it. If the tank is damaged or expired, ask your propane supplier what they accept. Whether the Phoenix HHW home pickup accepts grill-size propane tanks is something to confirm with the city before your appointment; email hhwcollection@phoenix.gov to ask.
Never put a propane tank in a bulk trash pile, a dumpster or a junk removal load.
Batteries and electronics (lithium-ion fire risk)
Lithium-ion batteries are in phones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, scooters and vapes. The City of Phoenix warns that they must never go in trash or recycling bins, because they can spark and start fires in collection trucks.
- Tape the terminals of loose batteries before storing them.
- Keep damaged, swollen or hot batteries away from anything flammable.
- Use the city's HHW home collection, which lists batteries on its master list.
- Watch for city battery drop-off events. Phoenix has held them before, and current dates are posted on phoenix.gov when scheduled.
Never curb it: bulk trash and bin rules
Household hazardous waste does not belong in your trash bin, your recycling bin or a bulk trash pile. According to KTAR's summary of the city's rules, Phoenix bulk trash excludes household hazardous waste, including antifreeze, pool chemicals, oil, batteries and paint. Confirm the current list on the city's page before setting anything out.
Leaking chemicals can injure sanitation workers, contaminate soil and storm drains, and start fires. Our Phoenix bulk trash guide covers what the city will take at the curb, and our guide on where to dump trash in Phoenix covers transfer stations for everything else.
What a junk removal crew can and can't take
Junk removal crews and dump trailers are built for furniture, appliances, yard waste and general household junk, not chemicals. If you are clearing out a garage or a family home, a good plan is to:
- Pull all liquids, chemicals, paint and batteries into one area first.
- Dry out latex paint and set aside oil-based products for HHW pickup.
- Book your city HHW collection for the rest.
- Then haul the furniture, boxes and junk.
For a full list of the items we haul, see our junk removal page, and ask when you call about anything you are unsure of. Hazardous items should go through the city or county programs above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get rid of household hazardous waste in Phoenix?
Phoenix residential solid waste customers can book one free HHW home collection per calendar year using the account number on their City Services Bill. Items go in sealed containers in a box labeled "HHW" by the garage or front door, never at the curb.
Can I throw away paint in Phoenix?
Dried latex paint can go in the trash once it is fully hardened, according to Maricopa County. Harden liquid latex with a paint hardener or clay cat litter, and use the city's HHW collection for oil-based paint and thinners.
How do I dispose of a propane tank in Phoenix?
Fully emptied small camping cylinders can go in the trash, but larger grill tanks may not, per Maricopa County. Exchange or refill grill tanks, and email the city's HHW program to confirm whether they accept a tank before your pickup.
Can lithium-ion batteries go in the trash?
No. The City of Phoenix says lithium-ion batteries must never go in trash or recycling bins because they can start truck fires. Use the HHW home collection or a city battery drop-off event.