Household Special Waste

The household special waste (HSW) drop-off depot accepts chemical waste generated in your home. Businesses must contact a private hazardous materials handling company for disposal. Business waste is not accepted at the HSW facility. 

20 Horseshoe Lake Drive, Bayer's Lake Business Park, Halifax

Sign up for notification of mobile HSW events, weekly collection reminders and service alerts, or print a calendar customized for your address.

Mobile community events 2024

Mobile community events take place between April and October and will be posted as confirmed. 

The mobile community events are open from 9:00 a.m.  - 4:00 p.m. rain or shine.

Please Note: Waste gasoline is accepted at mobile HSW events but cannot be bulked for disposal, as a result containers will not be given back. The permanent HSW depot is able to bulk waste gasoline and return containers.

Permanent Household Special Waste Depot Schedule

The depot is open on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. as follows:

MARCH

March 2 – OPEN
March 9 – OPEN
March 16 – OPEN
March 23 – OPEN
March 30 CLOSED

APRIL

April 6 – OPEN
April 13 – OPEN
April 20 – OPEN
April 27 – OPEN

MAY

May 4 – OPEN
May 11 – OPEN
May 18 CLOSED
May 25 – OPEN

JUNE

June 1 – OPEN
June 8 – OPEN
June 15 – OPEN
June 22 – OPEN
June 29 CLOSED

What can I drop-off at the HSW depot?

The following household special waste items can be processed at the HSW depot: 

  • batteries (or check Call2Recycle to find another location to return batteries; do NOT place batteries in your recycling bag)
  • leftover paint and empty paint cans (or Paint Recycling Program)
  • corrosive cleaners
  • pesticides and herbicides
  • gasoline 
  • used motor oil (or find a collection site with Atlantic Used Oil Management Association)
  • solvents and thinners
  • medications (or return to pharmacy; Sharps are NOT accepted at HSW)
  • aerosol cans containing hazardous substances
  • BBQ propane tanks (or return to tank exchange)
  • small propane cylinders (i.e. for camp stoves and propane torches)
  • CFL and fluorescent bulbs  
  • residential fire extinguishers (empty fire extinguishers up to 5 lb may be placed in the garbage)

Electronics and sharps are not accepted at the HSW depot.

Empty paint cans

Dry or empty paint cans are now accepted for recycling at the HSW drop-off depot/events or Paint Recycling Program drop-off locations.  Brushes, and rollers should go in your regular garbage. 

Products containing mercury

The following are products that contain mercury:

  • CFL and fluorescent bulbs
  • thermostats
  • household thermometers 
  • button cell batteries

Light tubes and bulbs containing mercury are accepted at the HSW depot but not at the Otter Lake Facility.

Dan-X Recycling (64 Trider Cres, Burnside) also accepts CFL and fluorescent bulbs from residents and businesses. Inquire with Dan-X Recycling for the costs associated with these services. 

Items NOT ACCEPTED at the HSW Depot

The following household special waste items CANNOT be processed at the HSW depot: 

  • Household garbage, recycling, cardboard
  • Appliances and electronics (visit Recycle My Electronics for drop-off locations)
  • Refrigerant containing appliances (refrigerator, freezer, air conditioner, water cooler, or dehumidifier; Request removal of refrigerants)
  • Medical waste and sharps (sharps can be disposed of in sharps containers and returned to local pharmacies; more information here)
  • PCB containing materials/ballasts, radioactive waste, asbestos waste (contact Nova Scotia Department of Environment)
  • Gas cylinders with unknown contents (contact manufacturer/supplier or Nova Scotia Department of Environment)
  • Explosive waste (ammunition, fireworks, flares; contact HRP or RCMP for ammunition, contact supplier for flare disposal)
  • Construction and demolition materials (take material to Halifax C&D)

Safe Storage of Household Special Waste

Health Canada offers the following advise for safe storage of household chemicals: 

  • Store in original containers and according to instructions.
  • Keep all safety information.
  • Keep out of sight and out of reach of children and pets.
  • Store paints, solvents, gasoline, fuels, varnishes and other products that may release harmful fumes or catch fire outside of your home.
  • If possible, store products in a separate building that is not connected to your home's ventilation system.
  • Avoid storing chemical products in areas with fluctuating temperatures.
  • Regularly check containers for leaks or damage. 

For more information on the use and storage of household chemicals, visit the Government of Canada.