Disposal of Electronic & Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste Overview

Household hazardous waste cannot be included in your regular trash that is collected curbside. Hazardous waste contain chemicals that pose significant environmental hazards if not properly disposed of.

Non-Disposable Examples of Hazardous Waste

Common examples of household hazardous waste are as follows:

  • Oil and latex paints
  • TVs
  • Pesticides and insecticides
  • Fluorescent lights
  • Thermometers and thermostats
  • Oil and gasoline
  • Computer monitors
  • Cleaning products and chemicals

Please note: If you have a question about whether the material you wish to dispose of is hazardous and if it should/should not be included in your regular trash collection, please contact Public Works at 207-992-4500. For items that are not appropriate to include in regular trash pick up, see below for disposal options.

How to Properly Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste

There are a number of options that Bangor residents can use to dispose of common household hazardous waste.

Pesticides / Insecticides

Finally - a way to dispose of old, unusable pesticides that's safe, responsible, and free.

Once a year, usually in the Fall, the Maine Pesticide Board and Maine Department of Environmental Protection provides a free collection of obsolete pesticides. To participate, you must note the following:

  • Send in the required registration form that will include information of what you plan to bring to the collection.
    • The collection is free for all homeowners as well as non-corporate farmers and greenhouse operators.
    • No drop-ins accepted.
  • Must register by September 30th.
  • Drop off sites available in Presque Isle, Bangor, Augusta, and Portland

To learn more, please visit the Board of Pesticides Control page.

If you cannot participate in the annual obsolete pesticide collection, please call the Maine Board of Pesticides Control at 207-287-2731.

Pesticides

Latex Paints

Allow the paint to evaporate by taking the lid off. Cat litter can be added to the can to hasten drying time. Once the paint is dried out, place the can with contents into 2 trash bags. Place in normal trash for pickup.

Oil-Based Paints, Varnishes & Polyurethanes

Oil based paints, varnishes and polyurethanes are considered hazardous waste and must be properly disposed of. The best way to dispose of paint is to use it! If you cannot use it, try giving it away or donating it to an organization that can. Dispose of waste paint through the Maine Paint Care Program.

Electronic WasteThermostats, Thermometers, Fluorescent Lightbulbs, Electronic Waste (TVs, Computers, Cell Phones, etc.)

E-waste can be disposed of at Casella's Pinetree Transfer Station, located at 358 Emerson Mill Road in Hampden. Please contact them at 207-862-4200 for details or visit their website for hours of operation.

Additionally, the Challenger Learning Center occasionally hosts fundraising collection events.

Car, Lawn Mower & Boat Batteries

Residents should consider returning these to the place they were purchased, or call AIM at 207-947-3710 to inquire about disposal.

Whitegoods such as Refrigerators, Microwaves, and Metal Items

Call AIM at 207-947-3710 to inquire about disposal or visit their website.

For All Other Household Hazardous Waste

You can contact the Bangor office of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection at 207-941-4570 to find out about additional ways to dispose of hazardous waste. The Maine Environmental Depot, located in Lewiston, accepts household hazardous waste from any Maine citizen. To learn more about the depot, please call: 207-786-7390.