Hazardous Waste Drop Off Day

Published on May 01, 2026

old cans hazardous materials.jpg

Augusta-Area Drop Off Day for Hazardous Waste, E-waste, Medications, Paint, & Document Shredding

 
Date & Time: Saturday, May 16, 2026 – 9 am to 12 pm
Location: Augusta Public Works, 55 North Street, Augusta, ME 04330
Who: Residents of Augusta, Farmingdale, Gardiner, Hallowell, and Manchester
 
Pre-registration is required. Fees must be pre-paid at City Hall. 
  • Do you have unused or unwanted pesticides, cleaners, hobby supplies, or other chemicals in your home that you don’t know what to do with?
  • How about unused, unwanted, outdated medications (pills, liquid, etc.) or sharps?
  • Unwanted documents? We have shredding again this year!

If you answered yes, then this program will benefit you!

For Gardiner residents the first unit is free, then $15/unit. Must pre-pay at Gardiner City Hall in advance of the event.

What is a Unit?

A unit is 5 gallons or 20 pounds of hazardous waste.

For example, 1 unit could be a 5 gallon bucket of rubber cement or a collection of several different smaller containers of chemicals, such as a gallon of paint thinner, a small bag of dry pesticide and a few old aerosol cans.

Note: Paint, light bulbs and batteries do not count as part of a unit.

Items to Bring

We can now recycle all architectural paint-both latex & oil based. Cans MUST be legibly labeled and securely sealed in containers under 5 gallons.

  • Documents for Shredding (2 copier boxes FREE)
  • Unwanted Medications (pills or liquid, including Vet Meds & OTC) and Sharps
  • Paint—Architectural ONLY (latex & oil/alkyd-based) Must be in original, sealed containers (5 gal. or smaller), with legible labels.
  • Stains, Thinners & Paint Strippers
  • Solvents (e.g. Acetone), Varnishes
  • Adhesives & Rubber Cement
  • Waste Fuels (Kerosene, Gas & Diesel)
  • Engine Degreaser & Brake Fluid
  • Antifreeze
  • Oil—Waste Oil, Hydraulic Oil, etc.
  • Dry Cell Batteries, Ni-Cad Batteries, Rechargeable Batteries, Hearing Aids (Button Batteries) & Car Batteries
  • Poisons, Insecticides, Weed Killers, Pesticides & Moth Balls
  • Swimming Pool Chemicals
  • Aerosol Cans (No Empty Containers)
  • Photography Chemicals & Chem. Sets
  • Hobby & Artist Supplies
  • Cleaners (Oven, Ammonia-based), Drain Openers & Spot Removers
  • Driveway Sealers (Oil Base Only)
  • Old Fire Extinguishers/Smoke Detector (2 items = 1 unit)
  • Compressed Gas Cylinders
  • Fireworks
What Not to Bring
  • Asbestos: Call Maine Department of Environmental Protection at 1-800-452-1942
  • Commercial or Industrial Waste: Call Maine Department of Environmental Protection at 1-800-452-1942 or EPI at 1-877-846-0447.
  • Infectious & Biological Waste: Call your local hospital for instruction on how to dispose.
  • Ammunition & Flares
  • Items Containing Radioactive Materials
How to Safely Transport Items
  • All items brought to the collection must be in sealed containers.
  • Tighten caps and lids, leaving materials in the original labeled container when possible.
  • Pack containers in sturdy, upright boxes and pad with newspapers. Sort and pack separately: paints, pesticides, household cleaners.
  • NEVER MIX CHEMICALS.
  • Place the materials in a vehicle, preferably in the trunk. Prevent the box from tipping over in the car.
  • Go directly to the collection site.
  • NEVER SMOKE while handling Hazardous Materials.
  • Children should NEVER handle Hazardous Materials.

Given the popularity of this event, please be prepared to wait in line during the busy times. For program details, please contact Gardiner City Hall, at 6 Church Street, Gardiner or (207) 582-4200. Office hours are Mon, Tues, Thurs 8am-4pm, Wed 12pm-6pm, Fri 8am-12pm. Pre-registration is required.

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