• Hazardous (HSP)

Hazardous Waste in Ontario

Hazardous waste disposal in Ontario means safely taking items like paints, oils, solvents, pesticides, aerosol and other pressurized containers, antifreeze, and mercury-containing devices to approved drop-off locations instead of placing them in regular garbage or recycling.

Not sure where to take a hazardous item? Use Recyclability’s Location Finder to search for hazardous waste drop-off locations near you.
Find a Drop-Off Location

What Hazardous Waste Disposal in Ontario Includes

This page helps Ontario households identify hazardous and special products that need safer handling, including:

  • Aerosol and other pressurized containers
  • Automotive oils, filters, and antifreeze
  • Paints and coatings
  • Solvents and household chemicals
  • Pesticides and fertilizers
  • Mercury-containing devices
  • Refillable propane containers

Who This Page is For

This page is for Ontario residents, families, educators, property managers, and workplaces looking for clear guidance on how to dispose of hazardous waste safely. It is especially helpful when you have leftover paint, automotive products, pesticides, solvents, or pressurized containers and need to know the right next step.

How To Dispose Of Hazardous Waste in Ontario

  1. Identify the item and check whether it fits one of the hazardous or special product categories below.
  2. Keep the item in its original container when possible.
  3. Make sure containers are sealed and clearly labelled.
  4. Use the Location Finder to search for a nearby drop-off option.
  5. Follow the instructions at the drop-off site or event.

If you also have batteries or electronics, visit our battery and electronics recycling guide for safe disposal guidance.

Category A

Category B

Category C

  • Mercury-Containing Devices

    • Barometers
    • Thermometers
    • Thermostats

Category D

Category E

Why Use Recyclability?

Recyclability is an Ontario-wide recycling education platform powered by Ryse Solutions. It helps residents understand what goes where, how to handle materials safely, and where to take items that do not belong in regular household recycling or garbage. Recyclability is not a waste hauler and does not manage materials directly. It provides clear public education to support better recycling decisions across Ontario.

Find Hazardous Waste Drop Off Locations in Ontario

Hazardous products need the right disposal path. Use Recyclability’s Location Finder to search for hazardous waste drop-off locations in Ontario and get clear guidance before you throw anything away.

Frequently Asked Questions

To dispose of hazardous waste in Ontario, locate a designated hazardous waste facility or event in your area. Ensure that materials are properly packaged and labeled. Check local regulations for specific disposal guidelines and accepted items
Hazardous waste can be taken to municipal hazardous waste depots, special collection events, or designated recycling facilities. Contact your local waste management authority for locations and schedules.
In Ontario, paint can be disposed of at municipal hazardous waste depots or through the PaintCare program, which offers drop-off locations for leftover paint. Ensure containers are sealed and labeled properly before disposal.
Hazardous waste in Ontario includes products that may be flammable, corrosive, toxic, pressurized, or harmful if handled incorrectly. Common household examples include paint, solvents, pesticides, motor oil, antifreeze, aerosol containers, propane cylinders, fertilizers, and mercury-containing devices such as thermometers and thermostats.
Five common examples of household hazardous waste are leftover paint, motor oil, pesticides, solvents, and aerosol containers. Other examples include antifreeze, fertilizers, propane cylinders, oil filters, and mercury-containing devices. These items need an approved disposal option rather than regular household recycling or garbage.