What is Household Hazardous Waste?

Household hazardous waste (HHW) includes everyday products that can be harmful if thrown in the trash or poured down the drain. Items like paints, cleaners, pesticides, motor oil, and batteries may be toxic, flammable, or corrosive—and require special handling. Improper disposal can pollute
water, harm workers, and create safety risks.

A good rule of thumb: if the label says danger, warning, or caution, it doesn’t belong in your regular trash. While home medical waste isn’t classified as household hazardous waste (HHW), it still needs proper disposal. Sharps like needles should go in a designated container, and
medications should be taken to a drug take-back site—not thrown away or flushed. Other items like bandages can go in the trash if sealed. Proper handling helps protect workers, public health, and the environment.

Why Household Hazardous Waste Is a Big Deal?

Household hazardous waste may seem harmless sitting under the sink or in the garage, but improper disposal can create serious environmental and safety risks. Products like batteries, paints, pesticides, pool chemicals, and cleaners can contaminate soil and groundwater, pollute the air when burned, and even cause fires in garbage trucks or waste facilities. On Cape Cod, protecting our water is especially important, since many homes rely on groundwater for drinking water.

What Do I Do With My Hazardous Waste?

Some batteries—including small button batteries like CR2032s—should be brought to designated battery collection areas at the Transfer Station or participating retailers such as Staples. There is an area for car batteries at the transfer station.

Propane tanks should never go in the trash because they can explode if crushed or heated. The Eastham Transfer Station has a special area for these.

Smoke detectors may contain trace radioactive material and require special handling.

Oil-based paints and stain are considered hazardous waste and require special disposal at the HHW Collection Day. Latex paint is not accepted with hazardous waste collections. Instead, it should be dried out completely before disposal in the regular trash, or saved for a Latex Paint Take-Back Day.

Not sure where an item belongs? Resources like Beyond the Bin and the Cape Cod Commission Hazardous Waste Guide can help you find safe disposal options for hard-to-recycle and hazardous materials. A little extra care goes a long way toward protecting our community, workers, and environment.

What About Medical Waste?

Some household items can contain low levels of radioactive material, including materials from certain medical treatments for people or pets. If you or your pet are receiving radioactive treatments, ask your healthcare provider or veterinarian how to safely dispose of related waste.

Never flush medications down the sink or toilet—unused medications can harm waterways and wildlife. Instead, use a local medication take-back program or ask your pharmacy about safe disposal options.

2026 Recycling Survey

Help guide Eastham’s waste reduction, recycling, and reuse efforts.

The Eastham Waste Reduction & Recycling Committee is gathering community input to improve programs and set priorities for the year ahead.

Whether you use the Transfer Station often or not, your feedback matters. This quick survey takes just a few minutes and will help make Eastham’s programs more effective for everyone.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

Link to survey https://s.surveyplanet.com/5byu8qlu

In the News

Whether you have an hour to spare or want to take on a small project, we’d love your help. Reach out to recyclingcommittee@eastham-ma.gov and get involved!

• Read the ECAC’s Catch the Wave 4
• Watch the Eastham Dark Skies Presentation
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9FElk6wFWE
• Mass. bottle deposit system continues nosedive, hitting new
  low last year
  • https://commonwealthbeacon.org/environment/mass-
    bottle-deposit-system-continues-nosedive-hitting-new-low-
    last-year/

Upcoming Events

• 2026–2027 Beach & Transfer Station Stickers
  • Mail in Applications will start being processed April 1st
  • Online Sticker sales will begin on May 1st
  • Sticker Office Windows for in-person sales will open June 4th
• May 16 @ 9am-12pm : Hazardous Waste Day
  • https://www.capecod.gov/event/regional-health-
    environment-fair/
• May 26 @ 5pm : Waste Reduction & Recycling Committee Meeting
  • Eastham Town Hall
  • The agenda is available on the town website.
• May 30 @ 10am-2pm : Eastham Community Tag Sale
  • Windmill Green
  • Bring a friend, shop local, and enjoy a fun community day!
• Jun 16 @ 5pm : Waste Reduction & Recycling Committee Meeting
  • Eastham Town Hall
  • The agenda is available on the town website.
• Jul 31 : Last day for Boat Shrink Wrap Collection
• Aug 1 @ 9am-1pm : Cape Cod Latex Paint Take-Back Day
  • www.townofbourne.com/paint
  • Tony Kent Arena, 8 South Gage’s Way, Dennis
• Sep 19 : Household Hazardous Waste Collection in Orleans