Household Chemical Collection Events

Since 2003, Pennsylvania Resources Council has hosted Household Chemical Collection Events in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The program is made possible with the support of many partners and volunteers. The events have directly resulted in the safe management of nearly 5,000,000 lbs of household chemicals.

The events are restricted to household quantities of Household Chemicals. If you have materials generated by a business or other commercial source, please contact us for assistance.

For events outside of Western Pennsylvania, please contact your County Recycling Coordinator. We also have information for County’s we partner with at our events.

Event Schedule

Please Note: All Household Chemical Collection events are held on Saturdays, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, rain or shine. Participant fee: $3.00 per gallon (a few exceptions apply), cash only.

May 2nd 2020
Allegheny County #1
North Park Swimming Pool parking lot
S Ridge Dr, Allison Park, PA 15101
May 16th 2020
Cambria County
Concurrent Technologies Corporation ETF Facility
Johnstown, PA 15904
June 27th 2020
Washington County
Wild Things Park,
1 Washington Federal Way, Washington, PA 15301
August 15th 2020
Allegheny County #2
Boyce Park Four Seasons Ski Lodge parking lot
(GPS address: 754 Center Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15239)
September 19th 2020
Allegheny County #3
South Park Wave Pool parking lot
1 Wave Pool Complex
Bethel Park, PA 15102
October 10th 2020
Beaver County
Bradys Run Park Recycling Center

Disclaimer: All event dates and/or locations are subject to change. Check back frequently for the most up-to-date list of PRC collections events, hours, fees, and list of acceptable materials.

We realize that our program schedule will not meet everyone’s needs. We strive to make our events accessible to the greatest number of people in the region we serve. If you are unable to attend, consider approaching a friend, neighbor, or relative for assistance.

Accepted Materials & Associated Cost

Accepted Materials

We accept nearly every chemical product found in the bathroom, kitchen, basement, garage, garden shed, or workshop.

Aerosol cans
Automotive fluids (e.g., motor oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze, kerosene, brake fluid)
Batteries
Camp fuel/small propane bottles
Chemistry sets
Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs: bulbs only- we do not accept fluorescent tubes)
Gasoline and kerosene
Household cleaners (ammonia, drain openers, acid cleaners, oven cleaners), mercury thermometers/liquid mercury, paint products (latex, oil based, alkyd based, arts/crafts chemicals, rust preservatives, creosote, water sealers, paint thinners, furniture strippers)
Pesticides/garden (rodent killers, insecticides, weed killers, mothballs, fertilizer)
Photo chemicals
Pool chemicals
Smoke Detectors ($3 each)
Fire Extinguishers ($12 each)

Please note that we cannot accept any of these items in leaky containers.

Tip: To avoid spills and damage to your vehicle, never put leaky containers into your car. If possible, transfer materials to a new container. Preserve the label and place in a zippered plastic bag to keep with replacement container. If you can’t transfer the material, you can isolate the leaky item by placing it in a zippered plastic bag, plastic bucket, etc.

Materials NOT Accepted

Ammunition
Appliances
Commercial and industrial waste
Compressed gas cylinders (large grill/medical)
Explosives
Flares
Fluorescent tubes
Leaking containers
Medical waste (including needles and sharps)
Prescription or non-prescription drugs
PCBs and dioxins
Radioactive materials
Tires

Associated Cost

The price for disposal of Household Chemical Waste is $3.00 per gallon (a few exceptions apply). It is cash only.

PRC strives to keep the cost of these services as affordable as possible. Fees charged to event participants cover less than 25% of the programs cost. The remaining costs are supported by the State of PA, County Government sponsors, and through grants from charitable foundations and contributors.

Volunteer Info

What does a volunteer do?
As a Event Collection volunteer, you will:

Participate in a brief training session prior to the start of your event.
Perform tasks such as directing traffic, taking surveys, handing out educational materials, and much more. You will be engaged.
Volunteers can work full or half-day shifts:
- Full-day shift: 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m
- Morning shift: 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m
- Afternoon shift: 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m

NOTE: VOLUNTEERS DO NOT HANDLE CHEMICAL PRODUCTS OR UNLOAD VEHICLES.

Volunteer Recognition
To show our appreciation, all volunteers at collection events will receive the following free of charge:

Breakfast and lunch
Disposal of Household Chemical Waste (up to 6 gallons), a $18.00 value
That warm fuzzy feeling that comes from helping a good cause

If you would like to volunteer at a Household Chemical Collection, please contact Sarah Shea at [email protected] or call (412) 488-7452.

How Do I Manage Household Chemical Waste?

The best method of managing Household Chemical Waste is to prevent its generation in the first place. This involves selecting the least toxic item “to do the job” and buying the minimum amounts necessary, as well as pressuring producers to make less toxic alternatives. Buying large quantities of a chemical product can result in left overs.

If the material is still usable (e.g., undamaged, still within designated shelf life), check with friends and neighbors to see if they can use it. You can also check with community groups such as Habitat for Humanity to see if they can use the product.

To learn more, you can visit our Household Hazardous Waste Safe & Health Home Guide.

Program Partners

Our organization partners with local companies to ensure responsible and proper disposal of all materials collected at our events.

Our partners include:

Allegheny County Health Department
Beaver County Department of Waste Management
Cambria County Solid Waste Authority
Environmental Enterprises Inc
Washington County Planning Commission
NOVA Chemicals

Frequently Asked Questions

For a great overview, check out “What to Expect at a Household Chemical Collection.”

Q: What type of materials do you take? If so, what is the cost?

A: We take various types of chemicals and hazardous waste. The price for disposal of Household Chemical Waste is $3.00 per gallon (a few exceptions apply). To see our complete list of fees, click on the Acceptable Material & Associated Fees tab on this page.

Q: What forms of payment do you accept at these events?

A. We accept cash only.

Q: Is there anyone on-site to help me unload?

A: Yes. The event is a drive through event, so participants do not need to get out of their vehicles. We work alongside volunteers on-site to unload materials from all participant vehicles.

Q: Do you unload vehicles past 1pm?

A: The line shuts at 1pm, and everyone who is in line by 1pm will have their materials unloaded.

Q: Why are fire extinguishers so expensive?

A: The complete fire extinguisher has to be dismantled. This starts with the de-pressurization of the extinguisher, then the valve & valve stem must be removed. Any un-discharged flame retardant material must be poured out and collected and is actually kept in containers around the facility and can then be used on spills and fire prevention within the facility.