Permanent Home Chemical Collection Centers

The Department's permanent Home Chemical Collection Centers accept oil-based paints, pesticides, solvents, pool chemicals, unbroken fluorescent light bulbs (to include the older, long-tube fluorescents, modern compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and other fluorescent types) and other household items.

The centers also accept latex paints that are still in liquid form; however, it is recommended that new paints or latex paint that is still in good condition be donated to neighbors or community groups.

If you have unusable or poor quality latex paint still in liquid form, dry out any remaining liquid with an absorbent material such as newspaper or kitty litter. Once the latex paint has been solidified, you can place the paint can in the regular household waste container for collection.

Also, propane tanks can be disposed of at one of the two Home Chemical Collection Centers. You can also dispose of empty oxygen tanks. Larger tanks such as those used for RV’s, forklifts, or fixed kitchen gas supply are not accepted.

The Centers are located in West Dade at 8831 NW 58th Street, and in South Dade at 23707 SW 97th Avenue Gate-B. Normal hours of operation are Wednesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The centers are available to non-commercial residents only.

• Find out about our Chem-Again Program!

Fluorescent Light Bulb Disposal

More and more residents are purchasing compact fluorescent light bulbs for use in their homes. These bulbs are more energy efficient and last longer than standard incandescent bulbs. Switching to fluorescent bulbs in your home is a great way to "go green." When it's time to dispose of them, make sure that you handle them properly.  Fluorescents contain a small amount of mercury and can't be thrown out with the regular trash. Miami-Dade residents can bring them to one of our Home Chemical Collection Centers. We'll take compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and traditional long-tube fluorescent lights at our sites.

There are also local retailers that will accept CFLs. Be sure to contact the store for more details and program specifics before delivering bulbs.

Florida's Department of Environmental Protection also provides information about mercury disposal and CFLs.

Learn what to do if a fluorescent light bulb breaks. Visit the EPA's web site on fluorescent and other mercury-containing light bulbs.

Battery Disposal

Learn how to properly dispose of your batteries:
> See our Battery Disposal Chart

Electronics Disposal

Learn how to properly dispose of your home electronics:
> See our Electronics Drop-off Locations

Commercial waste of any kind, as well as explosives, ammunition, radioactive (except smoke detectors), infectious and/or biohazardous waste are not accepted.
> Quick Reference of acceptable home chemicals 

When delivering household chemicals to the Center, remember:

• Pack all containers upright in sturdy boxes.
• Tighten lids and caps on all containers
• Place leaking containers in a larger container, along with an absorbent material such as newspaper.
• Make sure all containers are labeled. If the original label has fallen off, re-label it with the contents or any information you have, or label it "UNKNOWN CHEMICALS".