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
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Household special waste depot schedule
The permanent Household Special Waste depot has reopened. Please expect delays and follow Public Health orders.
The depot is open on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. as follows:
July 3 - CLOSED
July 10 - OPEN
July 17 - OPEN
July 24 - OPEN
July 31 - CLOSED
August 7 - OPEN
August 14 - OPEN
August 21 - OPEN
August 28 - OPEN
September 4 - CLOSED
September 11 - OPEN
September 18 - OPEN
September 25 - OPEN
October 2 - OPEN
October 9 – CLOSED
October 16 - OPEN
October 23 - OPEN
October 30 – OPEN
November 6 - OPEN
November 13 – CLOSED
November 20 - OPEN
November 27 – OPEN
December 4 - OPEN
December 11 - OPEN
December 18 – OPEN
December 25 – CLOSED
Mobile community events 2021
Saturday, July 24
Porters Lake Transit Terminal
21 Inspiration Dr, Porters Lake
Saturday, July 31
George P Vanier Jr High School
1410 Fall River Rd, Fall River
Saturday, August 7
Cole Harbour Place
51 Forest Hills Parkway, Cole Harbour
Future dates and locations will be posted as confirmed.
The mobile community events are open from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. rain or shine.
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.
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)
- leftover paint and empty paint cans (or Paint Recycling Program)
- corrosive cleaners
- pesticides and herbicides
- gasoline
- used motor oil and fuel oil (or find a collection site with Atlantic Used Oil Management Association)
- solvents and thinners
- medications (or return to pharmacy)
- 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 not accepted for disposal 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.