Household Hazardous Waste

GRRWA conducts several household hazardous waste collection events throughout the year to collect used and unwanted hazardous materials. Please watch your local news sources for our mobile events, visit our events section here (link to events), follow us on Facebook (link to Facebook) or call us for upcoming event dates and locations.

Residents may call either office at any time during regular business hours to schedule an appointment to bring their HHW to the collection center located at the main facility in Fort Madison. This is a free service to the residents in our planning area.  When making an appointment it is very important that you let us know what type and quantity of HHW you will be disposing of.  Also call the main office to schedule a HHW mobile event for your community.

Become familiar with HHW Materials:

• Corrosive, meaning they can corrode or burn your skin on contact.
• Toxic, meaning they can be lethal to humans and animals if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
• Flammable, meaning they may ignite even under normal working conditions.
• Explosive/Reactive, meaning it reacts violently when exposed to heat, sudden shock, pressure, or other chemicals.

Please never dispose of any of these items down your drain, they eventually pollute our rivers.

Acceptable HHW Items:
• Fertilizers • Herbicides • Insecticides • Pesticides • Household & Auto Cleaning Products • Antifreeze • Motor Oil • Car Batteries • Rechargeable Batteries • Oil Based Paints • Paint Thinners • Propane Tanks • Swimming Pool Chemicals • Florescent Light Bulbs • And More

As most HHW items are free to dispose of, some fees may apply to certain items, please call for details.

(If you don’t see your item on this list, call 319-372-6140)

Please No Latex Paint – Latex paint may be mixed with oil dry or kitty litter and disposed of with your regular waste.

Businesses that are approved as conditionally exempt small quantity generators may use our services for a minimal fee.  To see if your business qualifies as a conditionally exempt small quantity generator, please call the Administrative offices at 319-372-6140.

Available on site is our Household Hazardous Waste Swap Shop. Some materials we receive in our Household Hazardous Waste center may be brand new or have some life left, these materials are put into our Swap Shop. Residents can browse our Swap Shop during our normal operating hours. Materials taken from our Swap Shop are free of charge. Products available change regularly so make sure to check back frequently to see whats on our shelf.

In today’s world there has been an increase in use of lithium ion batteries and proper disposal is a must. Lithium ion batteries can cause a fire if punctured, creating an immediate safety issue to our staff, the facility and the environment. GRRWA recycles all kinds of batteries through our household hazardous waste program. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about proper battery recycling.

Sending mercury to landfills can harm our health. … When you recycle CFL light bulbs, the mercury in them can be properly and safely handled to ensure it doesn’t harm human health. Phosphor, which is also present in fluorescent bulbs, can also be toxic and should always be securely stored for the same reason. Please do not put your bulbs in your household trash! Contact GRRWA for florescent bulb fees. Fees are based on the length of the bulb.