Riverside Recycling Facility | 910 Riverside Street | Portland, Maine 04103 | (207) 797-6200
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household hazardous waste program

City of Portland, residents are be able to dispose of hazardous waste at the Riverside Recycling Facility. Our new permanent collection facility will be open every Saturday from 7 AM until 4 PM to facilitate convenient disposal of potentially hazardous items found in the home, workshop or garage. The facility is open to all Maine residents for a fee. Portland e-card holders may dispose of up to 10 gallons of HHW for free. Unfortunately, we cannot accept hazardous waste from businesses.

How will the drop off program work?

  1. Prepare your household hazardous waste for drop off.  When preparing hazardous items for disposal at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility, be sure that liquids are in sturdy leak-proof containers with caps or lids. Use the original container whenever possible. Secure breakable or loose items inside boxes or bags. Do not mix items together. Be careful that no items spill or break when they are in your vehicle.
  2. Bring your items to Riverside Recycling, 910 Riverside St. on Saturday between 7 AM and 4 PM. When you arrive at the facility, stop at the attendant’s booth and speak with the staff. Present your e-card or pay the appropriate fee.
  3. Follow any directions you receive at the attendant’s booth and proceed to the facility. When you pull up at the HHW facility, stay in your vehicle. The HHW staff will assist you with removing your items.

The following are items commonly found in Portland homes that can be disposed of as part of the City of Portland’s household hazardous waste program.  

Cleaning Products

  • Oven cleaners
  • Drain cleaners
  • Wood and metal cleaners and polishes
  • Toilet cleaners
  • Tub, tile, shower cleaners
  • Bleach (laundry)
  • Pool chemicals

Indoor Pesticides

  • Ant sprays and baits
  • Cockroach sprays and baits
  • Flea repellents and shampoos
  • Bug sprays
  • Houseplant insecticides
  • Moth repellents
  • Mouse and rat poisons and baits

Automotive Products

  • Motor oil
  • Fuel additives
  • Carburetor and fuel injection cleaners
  • Air conditioning refrigerants
  • Starter fluids
  • Automotive batteries
  • Transmission and brake fluid
  • Antifreeze

Workshop/Painting Supplies

  • Adhesives and glues
  • Furniture strippers
  • Oil or enamel based paint (No Latex Paint)
  • Stains and finishes
  • Paint thinners and turpentine
  • Paint strippers and removers
  • Photographic chemicals
  • Fixatives and other solvents

Lawn and Garden Products

  • Herbicides
  • Insecticides
  • Fungicides/wood preservatives

Miscellaneous

  • Driveway sealer

Other Flammable Products

  • Kerosene
  • Home heating oil
  • Diesel fuel
  • Gas/oil mix
  • Lighter fluid

Please do not bring latex paint to the drop off program.   It is not considered hazardous waste.   Instead, let it harden in the can and put it in your regular trash for curb side pickup.   Also, do not bring explosives, ammunition or medical waste.   If you have questions about a specific item please e-mail us at recycling@portlandmaine.gov or call 797-6200.