Did you know that many of the products that we use in our homes like oil-based paint, solvents, pesticides, and pool chemicals are actually as hazardous as industrial chemicals? Well, it's true. And the bad news is that when these products are disposed of improperly, they can pollute our drinking water. Help protect Miami-Dade County's fragile environment by safely disposing of your household chemicals.
Permanent Home Chemical Collection Centers
The Department's permanent Home Chemical Collection Centers accept oil-based paints, pesticides, solvents, pool chemicals, unbroken fluorescent light bulbs (to include the older, long-tube fluorescents, modern compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and other fluorescent types) and other household items. The centers also accept latex paints that are still in liquid form; however, it is recommended that new paints or latex paint that is still in good condition be donated to neighbors or community groups.
The Centers are located in West Dade at 8831 N.W. 58th Street, and in South Dade at 23707 SW 97th Avenue Gate-B. Normal hours of operation are Wednesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The centers are available to non-commercial residents only.
Fluorescent Light Bulb Disposal
More and more residents are purchasing compact fluorescent light bulbs for use in their homes. These bulbs are more energy efficient and last longer than standard incandescent bulbs. Switching to fluorescent bulbs in your home is a great way to "go green." When it's time to dispose of them, make sure that you handle them properly. Fluorescents contain a small amount of mercury and can't be thrown out with the regular trash. Miami-Dade residents can bring them to one of our Home Chemical Collection Centers. We'll take compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and traditional long-tube fluorescent lights at our sites.
There are also local retailers that will accept CFLs. Be sure to contact the store for more details and program specifics before delivering bulbs.
Learn what to do if a fluorescent light bulb breaks. Visit the EPA's web site on fluorescent and other mercury-containing light bulbs.
Battery Disposal
Learn how to properly dispose of your batteries:
> See our Battery Disposal Chart
Electronics Disposal
Learn how to properly dispose of your home electronics:
> See our Electronics Drop-off Locations
Commercial waste of any kind, as well as explosives, ammunition, radioactive (except smoke detectors), infectious and/or biohazardous waste are not accepted.
> Download a Quick Reference of acceptable home chemicals 
When delivering household chemicals to the Center, remember:
- Pack all containers upright in sturdy boxes.
- Tighten lids and caps on all containers
- Place leaking containers in a larger container, along with an absorbent material such as newspaper.
- Make sure all containers are labeled. If the original label has fallen off, re-label it with the contents or any information you have, or label it "UNKNOWN CHEMICALS".
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