Hazardous household waste

Hazardous household waste (HHW) consists of materials that are toxic and should never be thrown in the garbage, dumped on land, or poured down the drain or sewer.

Many common household products contain hazardous chemicals that can pose a threat to living organisms if released into the environment, contaminating the air, water, and/or soil. Pesticides, fertilizers and other products can run off lawns and gardens into storm drains and streams, polluting fresh water. Solvents can escape into the atmosphere from the normal use of cleaners, paints and aerosol sprays, as well as accidental spills or improper disposal. Storing old chemicals around the house can be a potential fire hazard, as well as a potential threat to your children and pets.

Acceptable for HHW drop-off

  • Paints (latex, alkyd, enamel), stains, varnishes, primers, rust , varnish, aluminum paint, acrylic sealer, wood preservatives, linseed oil
  • Motor oils , empty containers and filters
  • Vegetable oils
  • Batteries ( lead / acid ), rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries
  • Cleaning products or cleaners, degreasers, leads conduit
  • Turpentine, Varsol, gasoline, fuel, thinners, alcohol, shellac
  • Pesticides and fertilizers
  • Pool chemicals
  • Adhesives, tar, epoxy, cleaner
  • Aerosol cans
  • Propane tanks
  • Materials containing mercury (such as fluorescent light bulbs and thermometers)
  • CFLs and fluorescent tubes

Not acceptable for HHW drop-off

  • Medicines
  • Asbestos
  • PCB-containing products
  • Explosive-containing products
  • Biomedical waste
  • Radioactive waste
  • Firearms and ammunition
  • Fireworks or Bengal lights
  • Compressed gas tanks other than propane (ex. insulating foam, welding gas, helium, oxygen)
  • Fuel containers (jerry can)
  • Contaminated soil
  • Tires (see Ecocentres)

How do I dispose of HHW?

  1. HHW can be dropped off at the Public Works yard (7001 Mackle Rd.). Please leave your HHW with the attendant at the gate during the following hours of operation:
    • Monday to Thursday: from 7 am to 11 am, and from 12 pm to 2:45 pm
    • Friday: from 7:30 am to 11:30 am
  1. Outside of these hours, and at anytime, you can also drop off your HHW at in any Écocentre . The closest one is the Écocentre Côte-des-Neiges  (6928 Côte-des-Neiges Rd.). Please call 514-872-0384 to inquire about opening  hours. Proof of residency and photo ID are required.
  2. A collection day is held in August so that residents can bring hazardous household waste for safe disposal. HHW collection days in other communities are also open to Côte Saint-Luc residents. Dates will be posted or e-mail [email protected]

Other locations to dispose of different hazardous household waste

Used tires, motor oil and car batteries

These can be dropped off at different retailers such as Canadian Tire and Goodyear, as well as at Eco-centres.

Oils, oil and latex paints and dyes

These can be dropped off at any RONA Dismat store.

Propane tanks

Certain propane sellers accept used tanks for recycling.

Expired medication

Drug stores will take back outdated medication.

Batteries

Rechargeable batteries are commonly found in devices such as cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, camcorders, digital cameras and remote control toys. The City of Côte Saint-Luc participates in the Call2Recycle program of the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC).

For portable phones, cell phones and other electronic devices, several drop-off locations in Côte Saint-Luc are available, including:

  • Public Works Department Building (7001 Mackle Rd.), which is open weekdays from 8 am to 4 pm
  • Parks and Recreation Department Building (7500 Mackle Rd.), which is open weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
  • City Hall (5801 Cavendish Blvd.), which is open weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

RBRC also provides a list of their drop-off locations  in Montreal to help you find the location nearest you.

The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation recycles the following battery chemistries: Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), Lithium Ion (Li-ion) and Small Sealed Lead (Pb).

Before dropping off your batteries, please tape the positive (+) ends. Batteries that are not 100% discharged may come into contact with each other and create a short that causes a battery to overheat, and possibly result in fire. By taping the positive (+) end of batteries, you’ll help eliminate the possibility of accidents from occurring during storage and shipping.

Related content