Certain wastes should never be thrown away in the garbage or poured down the drain. One gallon of motor oil, for example, can contaminate one million gallons of water.
Special care must be taken in the packaging and disposal of these items for the sake of nature and humankind.
But for the countless number of Sudburians who have some hazardous waste at home — and that’s probably most of us — the question is: Where am I supposed to bring this stuff?
Well, wonder no more. NorthernLife.ca has put together what we feel is the definitive list of where you can bring everything from old paint and oil, to batteries and cellphones. From the flammable to the viscous, the corrosive to the toxic, we think we got it all.
This list is meant to be a useful, living document. If we’ve missed something, please email us and let us know what we missed and where it can be brought, if you know. If you don’t know, we’ll find out for you.
Contact us at [email protected].
Thankfully, most household hazardous waste (HHW) can be brought to the Sudbury HHW Depot (the depot, SHHWD, collection facility), 1825 Frobisher St. The depot is open only on certain Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.* Most months, the depot is only operates one Saturday out of the month, but in April, May, September and October, it is open every Saturday. For a full list of dates for 2015, click here.
If you are unable to transport the waste to the depot, contact Toxic Taxi at 705-560-9019 and leave your name, number and alternative number to book an appointment. You can also email them at [email protected] detailing your name, address and type of waste to be picked up.
A collection truck makes pickups during from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Friday, excluding holidays.
For safety reasons, the Toxic Taxi will not pick up the waste if the homeowner is not present.
However, there are some exceptions to what you can bring, and there is a limit to the volume of waste the depot accepts. Some products are too dangerous for homeowners to dispose of on their own. Thus, skilled professionals must be contacted to handle it safely.
Rule of thumb: All waste brought to the depot must be clearly labeled.
While this list is divided according to the types of hazard each item represent, there is some overlap. We’ve also included some safety tips for waste that poses an extreme level of danger.
Flammable/combustible
Gasoline: Never pour gasoline down the drain, into the ground or in the garbage. Not only is this harmful to nature and may cause fires or explosions, it’s also illegal. Gasoline in good condition can be added to the fuel tank of a vehicle. Gasoline for two-stroke cycle engines cannot be stored this way.
Deteriorated gasoline can be brought to the Sudbury depot.
Lighter fluid: Take it to the SHHWD. There are multiple ways you can use up lighter fluid besides firing up the barbecue, though, such as removing heel marks from floors, getting chewing gum out of hair and wiping away rust.
Gunpowder/ammunition: Unwanted gunpowder/ammo can be brought to Shooters Den (469 Bouchard St.; phone 705-522-2772) or to the Greater Sudbury Police Service.
This waste is not accepted at the depot.
Charcoal: Non-match-light charcoal can be put in the garbage. Otherwise take to the SHHWD. Use/give away if possible.
Gas Cylinders: Remove the valve and bring the cylinder to a scrap yard like Scrappie's Salvage Iron & Metals (886 Suez Dr. Hanmer, phone 705 969-5240) or BM Metals Services Inc. (1 Foundry St., phone 705 222-2274). Gas cylinders are also accepted at the SHHW Depot.
Kerosene: The SHHWD does accept Kerosene. The substance should be kept in a clean container that never contained gasoline or another substance. The container must be clearly labeled “Kerosene.”
Oven cleaners: Wear long rubber gloves when handling oven cleaners. Always keep away from sources of heat, since this substance can explode. You can bring your empty cans to the SHHWD. If you need to get rid of the product before using it, dilute it heavily with water and pour down the drain.
Biodiesel: A bad batch of homemade biodiesel should be solidified by adding it to soil and placed in the garbage or compost. Only add to compost if potassium hydroxide was used in the process.
Corrosive
Lye: Also known as caustic soda, lye is a very dangerous chemical. Cover as much skin surface as possible when handling lye. Goggles and dust masks are highly recommended. Be aware, lye can explode when it comes in contact with water. Only store in stainless steel containers for dumping, since aluminum, iron, cast iron and plastic containers will corrode. Containers that once held lye can never be used again. Vinegar and milk can be used to stop the burning if lye contacts the skin. Containers holding lye must be clearly labeled with a skull and crossbones.
Poisonous
Pesticides/Insect Repellent: Should be kept out of the water supply. Pesticides, including insect repellents, must be stored in spill-prof containers and brought to the collection facility. Be careful when handling an empty pesticide container. Drain the last amount of liquid pesticide into a spray bottle. Fill the empty pesticide container a quarter of the way full with water and pour the liquid into the spray tank containing the remaining pesticide. The pesticide in the spray can be used, while the container it came in can go in the garbage.
Acrylic Paint: Place water containing acrylic paint into an open container. Allow water to evaporate. Peel out the dry paint and dispose of it in the garbage. Follow the same procedure if the paint was not mixed with water.
Aerosols: Completely empty (no pressure or liquid residue) cans can be placed in the garbage. Non-empty ones must be brought to the collection facility.
Engine oil: Avoid storing engine oil in containers that previously held chemicals such as antifreeze or paint. This will contaminate the oil, rendering it non-recyclable. When changing your filter, punch a hole in the bottom and drain the used oil into a pan for 12 hours. Place paper towels into the hole and them insert the filter into a box the replacement filter came in. You can bring the box to the following locations:
- Robinson Automotive (2121 Lasalle Blvd., 705-560-6860, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Fri);
- Jim's Automotive Service (2204 Algonquin Rd., 705-522-3100, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Fri.);
- Dupuis Automotive (4476 Norte Dame Ave., Hanmer, 705-969-3648, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Fri);
- Jackson's Auto Repair (760 Regional Rd., Lively, 705-692-5655, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Fri).
Antifreeze: Due to its sweet taste, animals and young children will drink antifreeze if given the chance, so never leave the chemical in the open. You can transfer the substance in a sturdy, clearly-marked container to the SHHWD or one of the following locations:
- Robinson Automotive (2121 Lasalle Blvd. Sud. P3E 2A3 #705 560-6860, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Fri);
- Jim's Automotive Service (2204 Algonquin Rd. Sud. P3E 4Z6 #705 522-3100, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Fri);
- Jackson's Auto Repair (760 Regional Rd. Lively, P3Y 1M8 #705-692-5655, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Fri).
Rubbing alcohol: You can pour rubbing alcohol down the drain. Keep the water running for a while after you pour it to dilute the substance.
Chlorine bleach: If you have less than five gallons of bleach to get rid of, you may pour it down the toilet as long as you are connected to the municipal sewer system. If you have more than five gallons, take it to the waste depot.
Asbestos: Always contact a professional to remove the asbestos. The following is a list of local asbestos removal services:
- Furoy's Insulation, 2912 Poole Ct, Val Caron, 705-897-2805;
- Continental Insulation, 94 Mumford Rd, Lively, 705-692-3311;
- Better Homes Insulation Inc., 95 Lakeshore Dr, North Bay, 705-618-6552
Asbestos is dangerous once its fibres become airborne, so do not disturb it under any circumstance. It is mostly found as thermal insulation on basement boilers and pipes, but also in other locations such as vinyl floor tiles, roofing material, plaster and fibre cement siding in home construction from the early 1940s to 1975.
Turpentine: Like most solvents (chemicals used to dissolve solid materials), turpentine is a dangerous substance that can cause various health issues after long-term exposure to its vapors. Always keep turpentine away from direct sunlight or any source of heat, as it tends to explode or ignite under such conditions. It is best to replace turpentine entirely with odorless mineral spirits. You may bring unwanted turpentine to the SHHWD in a sturdy and clearly labeled container.
Adhesives and glue: If you have a small amount of adhesive, open the container and let it dry. For larger amounts, spread the adhesive in thin layers on cardboard or newspapers. If the adhesive is in a tube, slit the tube for drying. For two-part adhesives, mix them together before letting them dry. You can safely put it in the garbage once it is hardened.
Fertilizer: Giving surplus fertilizer away or using it up is the best course of action. Otherwise take it to the SHHWD. If it contains pesticides, dispose of it as you would pesticides.
Appliances: Old appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners release toxic chemicals into the atmosphere if placed in dumps. Instead, leave them at the curbside no earlier than 8 p.m. prior to, and no latter then 7 a.m. on collection day. It must be visible and as close to the driveway as possible. They will be disposed of properly by city officials.
Mercury thermometers: Mercury is a highly toxic chemical that will damage the spinal cord, kidney, liver and the brain. Fortunately, mercury-free thermometers are available and you should replace your old ones. The HHWD will accept old mercury thermometers.
Concrete: concrete slurry can damage the environment and is very difficult to filtre out of the water system. A common practice is to dry out the slurry in bins or pits, a process that takes weeks or months. For quicker results, you can use slurry solidification products like Gelmaxx. Once the slurry can no longer seep through a paint sifter, it is deemed a solid and can be dumped in the trash or brought to the SHHWD.
Ammonia: You can pour ammonia down the drain after you dilute it with water. The volume of water used for dilution must be 10 times greater than the amount of ammonia.
Rust removers: Are accepted at the SHHWD. In case of inhalation, move person to fresh air and give artificial respiration or oxygen if necessary. If ingested, rinse mouth several times with cold water and drink two glasses of water. Induce vomiting. Wash all affected skin areas with soap and water after handling.
Batteries
Batteries are accepted at the SHHWD and at the following locations:- Sudbury Main Public Library (74 MacKenzie St., 705 673 1155);
- Chelmsford Citizen Service Center & Library (3502 Errington St., 705 688 3963);
- Lively Citizen Service Center & Library (915 Kin Drive, Unit A, 705 688 3959);
- New Sudbury Library (1346 Lasalle Blvd., 705 688 3952);
- South End Library - Interim Location (2120 Regent St. South, 705 688 3950);
- Valley East Citizen Service Center Library (4100 Elmview Drive, Hanmer, 705 688 3958);
- Capreol Citizen Service Center & Library (9 Morin St., 705 688 3958);
- Garson Citizen Service Center & Library (2140 Orell St., 705 688 3957);
- Dowling Citizen Service Center & Library (79 Main St., 705 688 3957).
Car batteries: Batteries used in motor vehicles have a high amount of toxic metals, such as lead and acids, making them illegal to dump in the garbage. You can bring your used batteries at the following locations:
- Gil's Brake Shop Ltd. (2300 Maley Dr. Garson, 705 566-3519);
- Robinson Automotive (2121 Lasalle Blvd., 705 560-6860, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon-Fri);
- Jim's Automotive Service (2204 Algonquin Rd., 705 522-3100, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Fri.);
- Dupuis Automotive (4476 Norte Dame Ave., Hanmer, 705-969-3648, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Fri);
- Jackson's Auto Repair (760 Regional Rd. Lively, 705-692-5655, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Fri);
- 64 Auto & Truck Parts (2 Notre Dame Ave. W. Noelville, 705-898-2218, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Fri).
Electronics
You can take fax machines, televisions, gaming consoles, telephones, digital cameras, computers, printers, radio and stereo equipment, calculators, VCRs and DVD players to a landfill diversion site, which have areas dedicated to the storage and recycling of electronics. It is recommended that you sell or donate your appliances if they are in good condition, or drop them off at locations with recycling boxes specialized for specific electronic items.
Cellphones: You can drop off your unwanted cellphone at the following locations:
- Greater Sudbury Public Library (74 Mackenzie St.);
- Beyond Wireless (444 Barrydowne Rd.);
- The Source (Sudbury New Millennium, 110 Donna Dr.);
- The Source (Southridge Mall, 1933 Regent St.);
- Bell (Southridge Mall, 1933 Regent St.);
- Telus (Southridge Mall, 1933 Regent St.).
You may also sell your cellphone at the following websites:
The payment you receive for the device will depend on its condition and model.
Computers & laptops: The following locations provide recycling services for computers, printers, cellphones, TVs, monitors, cameras and audio systems in cooperation with Ontario Electronics Stewardship program:
- Back2Green Tire Recycling (3215 St. Laurent, Chelmsford, 750-897-2255);
- Society of St. Vincent de Paul (2506 Hwy. 69 North, Val Caron, 705-897-1461);
- Staples (1425 Kingsway Ave.);
- St. Vincent de Paul Society St. Benedict Labre Conference (553 Lavoie, 705-897-1461).
A good option is to sell or donate your computers if it is in a usable condition. The following websites may be used for advertising your used computer:
- GumTree.com (free)
- EBay.ca ((large audience, but takes 15-20 per cent of the profit)
- LapTopsBuyer.ca (also accepts non-functional computers)
It is highly recommended that you delete all personal information before donating or selling your computer.
All right, now that you know where to go, happy cleaning!
*Correction: Originally this story said the depot was open Monday to Friday. That error has been corrected.
