Alkaline Batteries go in the regular trash.

• Rechargeable Batteries (including Li-Ion, Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, Ni-ZN, and SSLA/Pb) are sold in many sizes and shapes and are marked "rechargeable." Some may be built into small appliances. These batteries generally contain metals that pose risks to human health and the environment. Rechargeable Batteries (including Li-Ion, Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, Ni-ZN, and SSLA/Pb): Do not go in the trash. When storing rechargeable batteries for collection, keep them in a vented, non-metal container. Put them in plastic bags before storing them with another rechargeable. Take these to a retail collection location or a municipal recycling center that accepts rechargeable batteries. There are more than 400 collection sites in Massachusetts that are free to residents. Search Call2Recycle for the nearest location.
• Button Batteries (small, round, silver-colored, used in watches and hearing aids): Many button batteries contain mercury, a metal that is toxic to humans when inhaled or ingested. Button Batteries: Do not put them in the trash. Many stores selling watches or hearing aids will accept spent button batteries. If your trash is handled by a waste-to-energy facility, find out if they have a mercury waste collection program, or hold for a local household hazardous waste collection day.
• Lithium Batteries (AA, C, 9 volts, and button; mainly used in computers, phones, and cameras). Lithium is reactive with water and has caused serious fires. Lithium Batteries Do not go in the trash. Lithium Batteries: Hold for a local household hazardous waste collection day.
• Improper disposal of batteries in landfills and batteries burned in waste combustion facilities can release mercury or cadmium into the air and water. These metals can enter the food chain and pose health threats to people and the environment.
• Post-consumer mercury products such as thermometers, thermostats, weight/counterweight (in grandfather clocks) button batteries, and some chemistry sets
• Cell phones
• Propane tanks
• Oil-based paint, polyurethane, paint thinners, spray paint

The following items can be collected curbside on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, with the advanced purchase of a bulk sticker. Each item must have its own bulk sticker. These items are not collected at Hazardous Household Waste Events.

Televisions, computer monitors, and laptops - to dispose of E-Waste a Pink E-Waste Sticker ($30 each) can be purchased on the town website for pick up on the third Tuesday of the month. Also, the Town HOSTS a Town-wide electronics recycling event in the spring and fall. The cost per item is listed on the Electronic Waste flyer for each event.

Refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners to dispose of these items Blue Stickers for all items containing freon can be purchased on the town website for pick up on the third Tuesday of the month. $35 for each item.

All other appliances, i.e., washing machines, dryers, stoves, dishwashers, microwaves, sewing machines, vacuums, bikes, grills without propane tanks, treadmills, exercise bikes, rowers, Yellow Appliance Stickers $25 each item, can be purchased on the town website for pick up on the third Tuesday of the month. Also, the Town sponsors a Town-wide electronics recycling event in the spring and fall. The cost per item is listed on the Electronic Waste flyer for each event.

White boat shrink wrap may be brought to the DPW during regular business hours from the end of May to July 1 annually.

Household Hazardous Waste Events and Electronics Waste Events are held semi-annually by the DPW.

Does your basement or garage have a box full of household chemicals that you aren't sure what to do with? Have you ever wondered how to get rid of an old television in a way that's safe for the environment? Do you have an old mercury thermometer that you don't know how to dispose of safely? This guide contains information about the proper disposal and recycling of common household items that shouldn't be thrown in the trash. Some of the items in this guide are considered hazardous waste. Hazardous waste is waste that can catch fire, react, or explode, or that is toxic or corrosive. If you throw hazardous waste in the trash, it can be dangerous for the workers who pick up your solid waste or work at your transfer station. Hazardous chemicals end up in our water and air when the trash is incinerated or if a landfill leaks. If you pour hazardous waste down the drain, it can contaminate your land, well, or wastewater treatment plant. Other items discussed in this guide aren't hazardous, but still shouldn't be thrown out. Many items can be recycled and enjoy a second life instead of ending up in a landfill or incinerator. In many cases, alternative products are safer for you - and the environment.

Electronics

Televisions, Computers, and Computer Monitors: The average Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) contains between five and eight pounds of lead encased in the glass screen. CRTs (which are part of televisions and computer monitors) are banned from landfills and incinerators to prevent the release of hazardous chemicals, like lead, into the environment. The heavy metals in computers and televisions have been linked to certain cancers, as well as the nervous system, reproductive, and developmental problems. Computers also contain metals that can be recycled.

Cell Phones

Cell phones contain lead, arsenic, cadmium, and other toxins which can be released into the air and water if cell phones are thrown in the trash. These substances can be harmful to human health and the environment.

Cell phones are accepted at the HHWRE for free and during regular office hours in the DPW building entryway.

Items That Contain Mercury

Mercury is a neurotoxin that is found in some common household items. When items that contain mercury are thrown in the trash, the mercury enters our air and water. It accumulates as it travels up the food chain, and fish that contain mercury can be harmful, especially to children and pregnant women. One way to keep mercury out of the environment is to properly dispose of items that contain mercury.

Fluorescent Bulbs (Tube & Compact)

• Store bulbs in a box or fiber drum to prevent breakage. Broken bulbs are not accepted at HHWE or as regular trash.
• Bring to the HHWRE collection

Thermostats

Dial thermostats (not digital thermostats) often contain mercury. Bring to HHWRE collection these are accepted for free or deposited in the container in the DPW entryway during regular office hours.

Batteries

Alkaline batteries are not accepted. They go in regular trash. Only rechargeable batteries, lithium, and button batteries contain mercury as well as other heavy metals. this requires special handling of these battery types. Bring to the HHWRE collection for free or deposit in the container in the DPW entryway during regular office hours.

Propane Tanks

Can not be thrown out in regular trash. These tanks are highly combustible. Please utilize a local store for turn-in options or they are accepted at our Hazardous Household Waste Recycling Event for $6 each

Paints, Stains, & Thinners

Oil-Based Paint

Oil-based paint is a hazardous material. Choose latex paint instead of oil-based paint whenever possible. If you do purchase oil-based paint, choose the smallest possible container to avoid leftovers. Offer leftover paint to friends and relatives. Bring oil-based paint/stains to HHWRE for $4 per can.

Latex Paint

Latex paint is not a hazardous material and is not accepted at HHWE.

• Give leftover paint to friends or relatives
• Leave the lid off and let the paint dry to a completely solid state before putting it in the trash. Mix in kitty litter and/or sand and it will help speed the process.

Appliances Are Not Accepted at HHWE

Appliances that contain CFCs (refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers): Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) damage the ozone layer when they are released into the environment. Special care must be taken in removing them from appliances. These items can be collected curbside on the 3rd Tuesday of the month with the advanced purchase of a blue bulk sticker. Each item must have its own bulk sticker - $35 each.

Appliances that do not contain CFCs (microwaves, washing machines, stoves, dryers, etc.) These appliances can be donated or recycled. These items can be collected curbside on the 3rd Tuesday of the month with the advanced purchase of a yellow bulk sticker. Each item must have its own sticker - $25 each.

Tires

Most tire dealerships recycle your old tires when you purchase new ones. Taking advantage of this service is the easiest way to dispose of old tires. Even if you aren't purchasing new tires, many tire dealerships and some garages will accept your old tires for a fee. If not, we accept rimless tires for $6.

Motor Oil

Do not mix with gasoline, antifreeze, or cleaning solvents or the motor oil may not be recyclable. By law, any business that sells motor oil in Massachusetts is required to accept it back for recycling. Most places require a receipt, so be sure to save it. Some area businesses that change the oil will accept small amounts of used motor oil for recycling. Check with your local garage. Other automotive fluids (antifreeze, transmission fluid, etc.) DO NOT mix with oil, gasoline, or any other chemicals, or the fluid may not be recyclable. The DPW accepts Motor Oil for FREE at our bi-annual event.

Household Cleaners

Many household cleaners contain flammable or toxic ingredients and other ingredients that are harmful to the environment, such as phosphates and chlorine.

• Signal words on product labels tell you how toxic a product is. Products labeled Danger or Poison are the most toxic. Those labeled Warning or Caution are of medium toxicity. Products that don't have any signal words on the label are not considered hazardous by the federal government. They may still contain hazardous chemical ingredients, but the amounts are considered too small to be of concern.
• Less toxic and environmentally friendly household cleaners are available. Choose products without the signal words Danger, Poison, Warning, or Caution. Look for products that do not contain phosphates or chlorine. Products labeled Safe for Septic are also less toxic.
• You can make your own non-toxic cleaning products from baking soda, lemon juice, vinegar, and essential oils.

Pesticides / Herbicides

Chemical pesticides include weed killers, insect killers, insect repellents, flea and tick repellents and collars, and rodent killers. Pesticides have been linked to cancers and development problems. Pesticides can also harm songbirds, bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

Pesticides are hazardous waste and should never be thrown out in the trash or flushed down the toilet or any drain

Unwanted Medications & Prescription Drugs

Do not flush down the toilet or put it down the drain! There is a box in the Winthrop Police Department lobby for collecting unused/unwanted prescription medications.

Empty pill bottles can be donated, Acceptable collection items include, prescription and over-the-counter pill bottles, large and small pill bottles, pill bottles with and without secure caps (child-resistant) pill bottles that are not appropriate to include with shipments of medical supplies are recycled and may generate revenue that supports Matthew 25: Ministries' programs. If you wish to prepare bottles for shipment, please adhere to the following guidelines: Bottles included in shipments of medical supplies must have an all-plastic lid. Sort bottles by color and type. Remove labels, leaving no glue or residue. Wash bottles in very hot water and dish soap. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Replace lids on clean, dried bottles. Place clean, recapped bottles in large plastic sealed bags marked "Clean Bottles." These will be blended with medical supplies. Please send pill bottles to: Matthew 25: Ministries, 11060 Kenwood Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242

Safer Alternatives to Toxic Products

Safer substitutes for some household toxins. Generally, these products can be purchased in any grocery store.

Ant Control

• Sprinkle cream of tartar in front of the ant's path. Ants will not cross over it! 
• Caulk and seal openings in walls
• Clean up spills
• Store food in airtight containers

Bug Spray

Place screens on windows and doors. Cover baby carriages and playpens with mosquito netting. Stay indoors at dawn and dusk, and wear long pants and long sleeves.