Detox your home - detox your bin

Placing the wrong items into your recycling cart or waste bin harms the environment. For example, fluorescent light bulbs placed in the waste bin usually break and introduce mercury into the air. Be a part of the solution and not the problem by learning what goes where.

The Miami-Dade County Department of Solid Waste Management has created an easy online guide, Recycling and Waste Disposal Tips so you know what goes into the waste bin, what goes into the recycling cart and what should be taken to one of the two Home Chemical Collection Centers.  

Home Chemical Collection Centers are open to all Miami-Dade County residents, Wednesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

• South Dade Home Chemical Collection Center- 23707 SW 97th Avenue, Homestead, FL 33032, Gate B
• West Dade Home Chemical Collection Center- 8801 NW 58th Street, Doral, FL 33178

Collection Centers accept items such as household cleaners, paint thinners, fertilizers, lithium batteries, fluorescent lightbulbs and laptops. Commercial waste is not accepted.

Let's clear the air on specific items and their proper disposal.

Batteries

• Safe to toss in the trash - alkaline (manganese) and carbon zinc – AA, AAA, C, D, 6V, 9V; and reusable (rechargeable) alkaline manganese – AA, AAA, C, D 
• Take to a Home Chemical Collection Center - button batteries – C-type 3V lithium is the most common; lithium / lithium-ion – 3V, 6V, 3V button; nickel-cadmium (rechargeable) and nickel metal hydride (rechargeable) – AA, AAA, C, D, 6V, 9V; sealed lead acid (rechargeable) – multiple of 2 volts: 2V, 6V, 12V; and silver oxide
• Return to place of purchase - lead acid vehicle batteries – 6V, 12V

View the complete battery disposal list.

Light Bulbs

• Safe to toss in the trash - standard incandescent light bulbs; halogen bulbs; and LED bulbs
• Take to a Home Chemical Collection Center - compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and traditional long-tube fluorescent lights

Electronics

• Safe to toss in the trash - toasters, blenders and blow dryers
• Take to a Home Chemical Collection Center - computer monitors and televisions; personal computers, keyboards, hard drives and printers; VCRs, audio and video equipment; and communication equipment such as smart phones and tablets

Read more about Home Chemical Collection Centers or call 311.