Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Many of us store hazardous waste in our homes. Cleaning chemicals, automobile supplies, solvents, hobby supplies, and pesticides are just a few products that require proper use, storage, and disposal to protect our health and environment.

Hazardous wastes have chemical characteristics that make disposal in the regular trash dangerous. They can be caustic, such as oven cleaners, or cause short or long-term health risks and even death. Improper disposal of these products can also degrade the environment. Household chemicals can contaminate surface and ground water if discarded in the trash, poured down a drain, or dumped on the ground. Some products never break down in the environment and can therefore contaminate our food chain. Mercury from broken fever thermometers and thermostats is a good example.

Residents of Genesee County can dispose of hazardous waste safely at designated collection sites. 

Materials accepted include: old household pesticides, herbicides, solvents, paint thinners, aerosol cans, oil-based paint, motor oil, mercury, batteries, and corrosives.

Materials not accepted are: explosive and radioactive materials, medical waste, large quantity commercial and industrial wastes, and latex paint.

For more information, call the City of Flint Public Works Dept. at (810) 766-7165, Genesee County Health Department at (810) 257-3603, or the MSU Extension office at (810) 244-8524.