The household special waste (HSW) drop-off depot is operated by a certified contractor and accepts chemical waste generated in your home. Although the HSW operates on the same property as the recycling facility, it is a fully separate operation. Please only drop off your household special waste on scheduled Saturdays when trained and certified personnel are present to safely accept household special waste items. For questions regarding the HSW Depot, contact 311.
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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Mobile community events 2025
Mobile community events take place between April and October. 2025 events will be posted when confirmed.
Permanent Household Special Waste Depot Schedule
The depot is open on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. as follows:
- AUGUST
August 3 – CLOSED
August 10 – OPEN
August 17 – OPEN
August 24 – OPEN
August 31 – CLOSED- SEPTEMBER
September 7 – OPEN
September 14 – OPEN
September 21 – OPEN
September 28 – OPEN- OCTOBER
October 5 – OPEN
October 12 – CLOSED
October 19 – OPEN
October 26 – OPEN- NOVEMBER
November 2 – OPEN
November 9 – CLOSED
November 16 – OPEN
November 23 – OPEN
November 30 – OPEN- DECEMBER
December 7 – OPEN
December 14 – OPEN
December 21 – OPEN
December 28 – CLOSED
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 RecycleYourBatteries for a full list or recycling options)
- Lithium batteries pose safety risks such as overheating and fires; therefore, it is important to properly dispose of them. Do NOT place batteries in your recycling bag. Lithium batteries under 5kg are accepted at the Household Special Waste depots. For larger lithium batteries and other recycling locations visit RecycleYourBatteries.
- vape batteries (cartridges/tanks must be removed), single use all in one vape pens/sticks/devices
- leftover paint and empty paint cans (or Paint Recycling Program)
- corrosive cleaners
- pesticides and herbicides
- gasoline
- used motor oil (or find a collection site with Atlantic Used Oil Management Association)
- solvents and thinners
- medications (or return to pharmacy; Sharps are NOT accepted at HSW)
- 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)
- unused or leftover residential concrete and cement mix powder (Alternatively, unused or leftover concrete and cement mix in its original packaging can be accepted at Halifax C&D)
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 accepted at the HSW depot but not 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.
Items NOT ACCEPTED at the HSW Depot
The following household special waste items CANNOT be processed at the HSW depot:
- Household garbage, recycling, cardboard
- Appliances and electronics (visit Recycle My Electronics for drop-off locations)
- Refrigerant containing appliances (refrigerator, freezer, air conditioner, water cooler, or dehumidifier; Request removal of refrigerants)
- Medical waste and sharps (sharps can be disposed of in sharps containers and returned to local pharmacies)
- PCB containing materials/ballasts, radioactive waste, asbestos waste (contact Nova Scotia Department of Environment)
- Gas cylinders with unknown contents (contact manufacturer/supplier or Nova Scotia Department of Environment)
- Explosive waste (ammunition, fireworks, flares; contact HRP or RCMP for ammunition, contact supplier for flare disposal)
- Construction and demolition materials (take material to Halifax C&D)
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.