Hazardous Waste Disposal Albuquerque

Hours & Location

All Albuquerque and Bernalillo County residents may bring their household hazardous waste to the Hazardous Waste Collection Center.

Location: 6137 Edith NE.

Hours of Operation:

• Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays - 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.;
• Saturdays - 8 a.m. to 3 p.m

Closed holidays.

The Household Hazardous Waste Center will be closed on Thursday, November 27th and Friday, November, 28th in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday. The Center will reopen on Saturday, November 29th.

Many common products that we use in our home or place of business contain chemicals that can harm us, our pets, and our environment if handled or disposed of improperly.

The following provides information on the safe handling and disposal of household hazardous waste along with some suggestions for safer alternatives to harmful household products. For more information on household hazardous waste collection in the Albuquerque area, call the ACT (Advanced Chemical Transport) Hotline at (505) 349-5220.

What is household hazardous waste?

Household wastes are considered hazardous if they can burn easily, corrode or irritate the skin, have the potential to generate heat or explode, or are poisonous to humans and animals. These wastes include paints, insecticides, automotive products, solvents, fluorescent bulbs/tubes and some cleaners. Look for warnings on product labels and follow the manufacturer's disposal guidelines.

What are the dangers of improper disposal?

If placed in the trash, hazardous wastes can injure trash collection workers and harm our environment. Burning, burying, or dumping hazardous wastes down a drain or onto the ground can damage plumbing and septic systems and contaminate our air and water supply.

How can I safely dispose of my household hazardous waste?

The best solution to managing household hazardous waste is not to generate the waste in the first place. You can do this by buying only what you need and then using up the product or giving the unused portion away to someone who can. Be sure to keep hazardous products in their original containers. Rather than purchase and use toxic products, trying using safer alternatives (see below). For information on safely disposing of specific types of household hazardous waste, call the ACT (Advanced Chemical Transport) Hotline at (505) 349-5220. Safer Alternatives to Hazardous Household Products

Alternatives

The following are some examples of less toxic alternatives to common household products. Using these homemade substitutes will save you money and help make your home a safer place.

Ant Poisons - Sprinkle cream of tartar (a substance used in baking) in front of the ants' path. Ants will not cross over.

All-Purpose Cleaners - Mix 3 tablespoons washing soda in one quart of warm water, or use baking soda and a small amount of water.

Aerosol Sprays - Aerosol sprays (such as hair spray and room deodorizers) release harmful substances into the air. Use pump-type sprays whenever possible. Use fresh flowers or potpourri instead of room sprays.

Chemical Fertilizers - Use organic materials such as compost, peat moss, and fish meal.

Copper Cleaners - Pour vinegar and salt over copper; rub and rinse.

Drain Cleaner - Clear clogged pipes with a snake (plumber's tool) or plunger. Pour boiling water down the drain. Do this every week for preventative maintenance.

Furniture Polish - Make a non-toxic polish by melting 1 tablespoon Canauba Wax into 2 cups mineral oil. For lemon polish, dissolve 1 part lemon juice into 2 parts vegetable or mineral oil.

Glass and Window Cleaners - Use cornstarch and water, or mix 1/2 cup vinegar with one quart of warm water.

Oven Cleaners - Scrub with baking soda and water. Place liners in your oven to catch any drips during baking. Sprinkle salt on spills when they are warm and then scrub.

Paints - Water-based paints are less toxic than oil based, and no solvent is necessary for clean up.

Roach Spray - Sprinkle boric acid (sold as a powder). A 50:50 mix of boric acid and brown sugar may be effective. Be sure to keep these materials away from children and pets.

Rodent Poisons - Put a screen over drains. Use mechanical snap-traps.

Rug and Upholstery Cleaner - Clean immediately with soda water and baking soda paste; then vacuum.

Silver Cleaner - Soak in 1 quart warm water with 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, and a small piece of aluminum foil.

Spot Remover - Immediately soak in cold water, lemon juice, club soda, or corn meal and water.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner - Use toilet brush and baking soda, mild detergent, or 1/2 cup bleach.

Tub and Tile Cleaner - Rub area with one-half lemon dipped in borax or baking soda. Rinse and let dry.

Tips for Disposing of Household Hazardous Waste

• Buy only what you need to do the job and use up the entire product.
• Don't discard hazardous waste into your household garbage.
• Keep hazardous products in the original containers.
• Never mix chemical wastes.
• Never reuse any pesticide or chemical container for any other purposes. (Residues remaining in the container can contaminate other materials).
• Use non-hazardous alternatives whenever possible.