Item by item
| Item | Where it goes instead |
|---|---|
| Oil-based paint, stain, solvents, thinners | SafeChem, Kent County's household hazardous waste program |
| Latex (water-based) paint | Dry it out with cat litter or sawdust, then put it in the regular trash (county steps) |
| Motor oil, antifreeze, gasoline | SafeChem. Michigan requires used oil to be recycled (EGLE) |
| Pesticides, pool chemicals, cleaners | SafeChem (accepted list) |
| Rechargeable, lithium-ion and button batteries | SafeChem. Plain alkaline batteries can go in the trash |
| Car batteries | Back to the store or auto shop that sells the new one |
| Tires | North Kent (Rockford) or South Kent (Byron Center) recycling and waste centers, for a fee (tires) |
| Fridges, freezers, AC units, dehumidifiers | The same two centers; refrigerant appliances carry a fee (appliances) |
| TVs, computers, monitors | North Kent, South Kent, or the SafeChem site on Wealthy St SW in Grand Rapids (electronics) |
| Small propane cylinders | SafeChem. Refillable tanks go back to a propane dealer |
| Fluorescent tubes, mercury thermostats | SafeChem |
| Friable asbestos | Not SafeChem. Call EGLE's local office, 616-356-0500 |
About SafeChem
SafeChem takes household chemicals from Kent County households at five drop-off sites, including one at 1045 Wealthy St SW in Grand Rapids, without an appointment. Hours differ by site and closures for weather are posted on the county's page, so check it the day you go. Businesses can't use it.
Bringing more than six moving boxes, more than 20 gallons, or a drum? Call the county at 616-632-7941 first.
Items that are allowed but cost extra
Mattresses, box springs, and loads of brush mixed with trash are often accepted with a surcharge. Ask before loading them so the price you are quoted covers them.
Ready to book a roll-off?
Have the address, the project and a rough idea of how much is going in. The company on the phone quotes the size, the drop-off date and the price.
Phones answered Mon–Sat 8 am–8 pm, Sun 8 am–1 pm (Eastern)