Hazardous waste is commonly defined as any waste that displays hazardous characteristics, such as being toxic, corrosive, or flammable. Proper waste management is crucial to ensure that these materials are handled safely and responsibly, protecting both human health and the environment.
Household hazardous waste is accepted at the Solid Waste Facility during Residential Public Access Hours. Proper disposal of hazardous waste can be ensured by bringing it to the appropriate designated areas as directed by the gatehouse staff at the Solid Waste Facility. Relevant Residential Fees for disposal of hazardous waste are available here.
Hazardous waste generated by commercial businesses is not accepted at the Solid Waste Facility. Contractors will be referred to commercial waste management businesses for proper disposal. The Waste Wizard can also help identify the correct method of disposal.
Household Hazardous Waste Accepted
| Item | Correct Disposal | Negative Impacts on Incorrect Disposal |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic Waste | Recycle your E-Waste for free at the Bottle Depot. The program recycles over 500 hundred products across seven categories. | When electronics are improperly disposed and end up in landfills, toxic chemicals are released, impacting the earth’s air, soil, water and ultimately, human health. They are also one of the leading cause of landfill fires. |
| Batteries | Recycle household batteries at Bottle Depot for free. Lead-Acid batteries can be disposed of at the solid waste facility for a fee. | Will leak toxic substances like mercury and cadmium into soil and water, causing pollution. |
| Fluorescent Tube & Light Bulbs | Take to the solid waste facility. | Releases toxic mercury into the environment when broken, contaminating air and water. |
| Paints | Dispose unused paints at the solid waste facility’s hazardous waste area. | Pollutes water and soil, harming wildlife and plants when improperly thrown away. |
| Solvents | Dispose unused solvents in the flammable liquids bin at the solid waste facility’s hazardous waste area. | Will release harmful fumes and chemicals into the air, causing respiratory problems and environmental damage. |
| Used Oils | Bring sealed containers of used motor oil to the solid waste facility’s hazardous waste area. | Contaminates water and soil with hydrocarbons, harming aquatic life and polluting the ecosystem. |
| Household Cleaners | Bring household cleaning chemicals to the solid waste facility’s hazardous waste area. | It can cause chemical spills, contaminating air, water, and soil, and can harm health. |
| Oil Tanks |
Bring empty oil tanks (up to 250 gallon) to the solid waste facility for disposal. Must be cut in half. Larger tanks will be accepted only with prior approval. Fees apply. |
Risk of leaking hazardous substances into the environment, harming wildlife and ecosystems. |
| Animal Waste | Throw away small amounts in household grey carts or bring to the solid waste facility’s yellow animal waste bins. | Can contaminate water supplies, leading to the spread of diseases and pollution. |
| Empty Propane Tanks | Propane tanks can be disposed of at the solid waste facility’s hazardous waste area for a fee. | Canisters can explode, causing fires, injuries, or environmental contamination when disposed of improperly. |
For more information, please call the City at (867) 669-3406 or contact the Solid Waste Facility.
Report Illegal Spills or Dumping
Please reach out to the 24-Hour Spill Report line (867) 920-8130 or fill out the report form and email it to spills@gov.nt.ca. Residents are encouraged to report through the City's Click & Fix program.