Where to Take Your Household Hazardous Waste
Ever wonder what can be thrown in the garbage and what should be taken elsewhere to be disposed of? We get this question often and hope this information helps as to where to take those specialty items that are considered out of the ordinary. We hope this information helps to show where to go and what to do with these household items you’re looking to recycle.
Household Hazardous Waste
When it comes to household hazardous materials and waste, two sites are available in Pierce County to drop off items for free:
Tacoma Transfer Center
3510 S. Mullen Street
Tacoma
253.502.2100
Hours: Daily from 8 am – 6 pm
Hidden Valley Transfer Station
17925 Meridian E
Puyallup
253.847.7555
Hours: Tuesday – Thursday
8 am – noon and 1-5 pm
To see a list of everything accepted at these facilities, please click here.
Fire Extinguishers
This is a question we get quite frequently, as extinguishers are replaced due to age or because of use in an emergency. Extinguishers may be taken to CalBag Metals in the Port of Tacoma. For more information and driving directions, please visit their website.
Medications
This may be the question we get the most frequently when it comes to drop-off locations. If you have medications that you need to safely dispose of, please note the drop-off locations in the area. Within West Pierce, the Lakewood and Steilacoom Police Departments have drop boxes for certain medications.
Lakewood Police Department
9401 Lakewood Drive SW
Lakewood
253.830.5000
Hours: Monday – Friday from 9 am -5 pm
Steilacoom Public Safety Building
601 Main Street
Steilacoom
253.581.0110
Hours: Monday – Friday from 10 am – noon and 1-5 pm
Please note that used needles (sharps) are not accepted at these locations. For more information about sharps disposal, locations and safety tips, please click here.
In addition to hazardous waste, we do receive questions about other types of items and how to dispose or recycle them, specifically glass and electronics. Here is some information about these types of items and where to dispose of them.
Glass Recycling
When it comes to glass recycling, curbside pick up isn’t available in Pierce County. If you have glass needing to be recycled, you’re welcome to drop it off at West Pierce Fire & Rescue Station 21, located at 5000 Steilacoom Blvd SW in Lakewood. There is a large glass recycling bin near the training tower and is available 24 hours per day. Here is a list of other drop-off locations, which includes one in Steilacoom and three in University Place.
Electronics
While retailers may have take-back programs, there are other opportunities to utilize if you’re looking to get rid of the following items:
- Televisions
- Computers
- Computer monitors
- Laptops
- Tablets
- E-readers
- Portable DVD players
If you have any of these items at home, you can utilize either of these programs:
E-Cycle Washington
Take It Back Network
Please note that items that accompany these items, such as keyboards, printers, toner cartridges and cell phones, are not included in the E-Cycle program. However, check with your local Best Buy, Staples and RadioShack stores for information on recycling these items at no charge.