Knoxville and the City of Knoxville jointly fund the state’s first permanent collection center for Household Hazardous Waste. Any county resident can bring their old paints and thinners (20 gallon limit per day), pesticides, herbicides, cleansers, computer monitors, refrigerators, air conditioners, thermometers, thermostats and other household toxins to the facility. It is located within the City Solid Waste Management Facility at 1033 Elm Street.
The facility is paid for through property taxes and a grant from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. There are no additional charges for HHW.
Directions: Take I-275 to exit 1-B, Baxter Avenue West. Go left on Elm Street. The entrance is immediately on the right.
Hours of Operation: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 8-3:30, Wednesday and Saturday 8 to Noon. Closed Monday.
Latex paint that can be recycled is remanufactured into new, top quality paint. It comes in several colors and can be purchased at the Habitat for Humanity Thrift Store at 2209 North Central Street.
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) is defined as any leftover material or product from around the house that poses the potential for danger to health or the environment. Although there can be literally hundreds of different products in a typical household that are hazardous, they all share one or more of the following dangerous characteristics:
TOXIC / POISONOUS: Capable of causing injury or death through ingestion, inhalation or skin absorption. (Example: Bleach, Antifreeze, Pesticides and Fertilizers.)
CORROSIVE: Can eat away materials and living tissue by chemical action. (Example: Drain Openers, Toilet and Oven Cleaners.)
REACTIVE: Can react with air, water or other substances and result in explosions or the generation of heat or toxic fumes. (Example: Peroxide, Ammonia and Mothballs.)
FLAMMABLE / COMBUSTIBLE: Can ignite and burn at a relatively low temperature, thereby presenting a significant fire hazard. (Example: Gasoline, Charcoal Lighter and Alcohol.)
The best way to determine if a product is hazardous is by reading the label. Manufacturers are required by law to inform consumers of the potential risks to human health or the environment. When reading product labels, watch for certain "signal words" which will indicate the level of the potential hazard associated with the product. These signal words include:
"CAUTION" The product is mildly toxic (1oz. To 1 pint is the fatal dose) or a possible skin irritant.
"WARNING" The product is moderately toxic (1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon is the fatal dose) or can cause injury with prolonged contact with the skin or has a moderate chance of catching fire or reacting with another chemical.
"DANGER" The product is highly flammable, explosive or reactive or is capable of causing injury on contact with eyes or skin.
"POISON" The product is extremely toxic (a taste to 1 teaspoon is the fatal dose).
Although some household products are hazardous, they can be safely used. Here are some guidelines:
- Use products only for intended purposes.
- Follow all directions for safe use.
- Never mix products!
- Keep products in their original, labeled containers.
- Keep container tightly sealed and in a secure location.
- Store in a dry, ventilated area away from children, pets, food and heat sources.
- Large volume containers of flammable materials, such as gasoline or kerosene cans, should not be stored inside the home.
- Keep all pertinent information regarding use, storage and disposal.
- Transport all hazardous materials in vehicle trunk or truck bed. To prevent spills, keep container upright and immobilized. If container is leaking, pack in an absorbent material such as cat litter or newspaper and place in a sealable container (e.g.- plastic bucket or bag) with contents labeled.
Because of the risks posed by HHW to health and the environment, it cannot be disposed of with regular household garbage. It must be handled and disposed of separately, in accordance with federal, state and local regulations. Knox County and the City of Knoxville jointly fund the operation of the Household Hazardous Waste Facility-the first of its kind in Tennessee. The purpose and goals of establishing this facility are to:
- Provide for safe and convenient disposal of HHW for Knox County and Knoxville Residents.
- Increase diversion of HHW from disposal to reuse and recycling.
- Promote public information, education and awareness of HHW.
- Reduce municipal liability and expense for clean up of improper disposal of HHW.
The following is a general list of materials residents can bring to the facility:
- Adhesives
- Air Conditioning Refrigerants
- Automotive Oil / Antifreeze / Lubricants / Batteries / Carb Cleaner
- Aerosols
- Solvents / Drain Openers
- Fluorescent Tubes and Ballasts
- Herbicides / Insecticides / Pesticides / Fungicides
- Paint / Paint Strippers and Thinners / Cleaners / Polishes / Preservatives
- Propane Tanks and Cylinders
There is a limit of 20 gallons or 100 pounds of HHW per customer per visit.
Certain hazardous materials cannot be taken to the facility. These include:
- Unidentifiable Material
- Radioactive Waste, including Smoke Detectors (return to manufacturer for disposal)
- Explosives and Ammunition
- Pressurized Fire Extinguishers
- Medical Waste
- Non-propane Tanks and Cylinders
- Commercial Hazardous Waste
For more information, or answers to specific questions, contact the Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 865-215-6700.
