Item: Household chemicals, pesticides, cleaners, solvents, and related hazardous products Jurisdiction: Raleigh city limits (Wake County, North Carolina) Last updated: July 2026
Quick Answer
Raleigh does not collect household chemicals or pesticides through any curbside program — not in your garbage cart, not in recycling, not through bulky waste pickup. All household hazardous waste (HHW) goes to Wake County HHW facilities, free for Wake County residents.
| Route | Location | Hours | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Wake HHW | 6150 Old Smithfield Rd, Apex | Mon–Sat 8am–4pm | Free for residents |
| East Wake HHW | 5051 Wendell Blvd, Wendell | Sat–Sun 8am–4pm | Free for residents |
| North Wake HHW | 9037 Deponie Dr, Raleigh | CLOSED (fire damage) | N/A |
North Wake is closed. This is the Raleigh-address facility, and it is not accepting drop-offs due to fire damage (closed since January 2026). Temporary Saturday-only HHW collection events may be held at the North Wake site — check the Wake County page before driving. Most Raleigh residents will need to use South Wake (Apex) or East Wake (Wendell).
Call 919-996-3245 or check the Wake County HHW page before hauling — confirm your specific chemicals are accepted, container rules, quantity limits, and the current North Wake status.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary contact | Solid Waste Services Customer Care — 919-996-3245 |
| Official source hub | Raleigh Bulky, Special & E-Waste Collection |
| Curbside pickup | Not available for chemicals or pesticides |
| Municipal route | Wake County HHW facilities (see table above) |
| Cost | Free for Wake County residents (household waste only) |
| Proof of residency | Required — Wake County driver's license or proof of address |
| Appointment required | Not specified on official pages — call to confirm walk-in policy |
| Container rule | Original labeled containers required — no leaking containers accepted |
| Business waste | Not accepted at HHW facilities — businesses must use private disposal |
| Jurisdiction | Wake County residents only. Raleigh residents outside Wake County should contact their own county HHW program |
Why Raleigh Does Not Collect Chemicals
The City of Raleigh's bulky, special, and e-waste collection programs explicitly exclude hazardous materials. This is not an oversight — it is by design. Household chemicals and pesticides are classified as hazardous waste and require specialized handling and disposal.
The city's official stance is clear: all chemical and pesticide disposal is directed to Wake County HHW facilities.
Never dump chemicals down storm drains. This is illegal and harmful to local waterways. If you see someone dumping chemicals illegally, report it to the Raleigh Stormwater Helpline at 919-996-3940 (this helpline is for reporting pollution, not for disposal guidance).
Wake County HHW Facilities — Locations and Hours
South Wake HHW
- Address: 6150 Old Smithfield Rd, Apex, NC
- Hours: Monday through Saturday, 8am–4pm
- Best for: Raleigh residents who can reach Apex (southwest of downtown Raleigh)
East Wake HHW
- Address: 5051 Wendell Blvd, Wendell, NC
- Hours: Saturday and Sunday only, 8am–4pm
- Best for: Weekend drop-off. Limited hours — plan accordingly.
North Wake HHW
- Address: 9037 Deponie Dr, Raleigh, NC
- Status: CLOSED — fire damage. Closed since January 2026.
- What to know: Temporary Saturday-only HHW collection events may be available at this site. Check the official Wake County page or call 919-996-3245 before assuming you can use this location.
What you must verify before going:
- Is the facility you plan to visit actually open today?
- Does the facility accept your specific chemical types?
- What are the per-visit quantity limits?
- Is an appointment required or is walk-in accepted?
- What proof of residency do they accept?
What Chemicals Are Accepted?
Wake County HHW facilities accept a wide range of household hazardous materials.
Accepted at HHW facilities
- Aerosols (spray paint, air fresheners, etc.)
- Cleaning products (corrosive cleaners, bleach-based products)
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Solvents and thinners
- Oil-based paints and stains
- Kerosene, lighter fluid, fuel oil
- Household-size fire extinguishers
- Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs)
- Fluorescent tubes (limit 12 per visit — bring them boxed)
- Batteries (household and rechargeable)
NOT accepted at HHW facilities
These items must go to Multi-Material Recycling Facilities (MMRFs) instead:
- Antifreeze
- Motor oil and transmission fluid
- Oil filters
- Power steering fluid and hydraulic oils
Never accepted anywhere in these programs
- Asbestos — contact NCDEQ for certified asbestos disposal guidance
- Business or commercial chemical waste
- Radioactive materials
- Medical waste
If your chemical is not listed here, call 919-996-3245 and ask before showing up.
Container and Packaging Requirements
Wake County HHW facilities have specific container rules confirmed from official sources:
- Original labels required. Containers must have their original labels intact so facility staff can identify the contents. Unlabeled chemicals may be rejected.
- No leaking containers. Every container must be sealed and leak-proof. If a container is rusting, cracked, or damaged, transfer the contents to a clearly labeled replacement container.
- Fluorescent tubes: Must be boxed. Maximum 12 tubes per visit.
- Container size limits: Not confirmed on official sources. Ask when you call whether there is a maximum container size.
If you have chemicals in unlabeled containers: Check with the HHW facility before bringing them. Some facilities have procedures for identifying unknown chemicals; others will reject them outright.
Fees and Quantity Limits
Fees: Wake County HHW drop-off is free for Wake County residents for accepted household hazardous waste items. No fee information is available from official sources for non-residents or businesses — residents outside Wake County should contact their own county HHW program.
Quantity limits: The only confirmed per-visit limit from official sources is for fluorescent tubes: 12 per visit. Limits for other chemicals and pesticides are not specified on official pages. Ask when you call:
- "Is there a limit on how many gallons or cans I can bring in one visit?"
- "Is there a limit on different types of chemicals in the same trip?"
How to Prepare Chemicals for Transport
Safety during transport matters — you are hauling hazardous materials in your personal vehicle.
Preparation checklist
- Keep original labels. If a label is falling off, reattach it with tape. Do not cover important identification information.
- Tighten caps and lids. Ensure every container is sealed tight. Wipe down the outside of containers to remove residue.
- Check for leaks. Place containers in a plastic bin, tray, or lined box to catch drips during transport.
- Do not mix chemicals. Never combine different chemicals into one container. Mixing can cause dangerous reactions.
- Do not combine containers. Keep full and partially empty containers separate. Do not pour leftover paint or solvent into containers of other products.
- Secure in vehicle. Place containers upright and wedge them so they cannot tip over during turns or sudden stops.
- Separate from passengers. Keep chemicals in the trunk or cargo area — never in the passenger cabin.
What to bring
- Your Wake County identification or proof of residency (driver's license, utility bill)
- Your chemicals in their original labeled, leak-proof containers
- A box for any fluorescent tubes
Apartments, Renters, and Business Rules
Apartment and condo residents
Wake County HHW facilities are open to all Wake County residents regardless of housing type. If you are a Wake County resident living in an apartment, you can use the HHW facilities in your personal vehicle. This includes apartment dwellers with shared dumpsters, condo and townhome residents, and renters.
The key requirement: You must be a Wake County resident and bring proof of residency. Your housing arrangement does not affect eligibility.
Renters without a vehicle
Call 919-996-3245 and ask about any mobile HHW collection events that may be scheduled. Some retailers also accept certain HHW items (CFLs, batteries) — but policies vary by location. Call the specific store first.
Businesses
Wake County HHW facilities accept household waste only. Business, commercial, institutional, and industrial chemical waste is strictly prohibited. If you are a business with chemical waste:
- Contact a licensed hazardous waste disposal service
- Search for "North Carolina hazardous waste transporter" or "Raleigh commercial chemical disposal"
- Contact NCDEQ for guidance on certified disposal providers
Small-business exceptions, if any, are not published on official sources. Do not assume your business qualifies for residential HHW programs.
Fallback — NCDEQ HHW Program
If Wake County HHW facilities do not meet your needs — you live outside Wake County, have an unusual chemical type, or are a business — the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) manages the state's HHW program.
Search for "NC HHW disposal" or visit the NCDEQ website for state-level guidance, a directory of HHW programs by county, and commercial hazardous waste resources.
Wake County may also publish a collection event calendar with periodic HHW collection events — check the official Wake County Solid Waste Management page for upcoming dates.
Mistakes to Avoid
1. Putting chemicals in the regular trash
Household chemicals and pesticides are prohibited from curbside garbage. They can leak, react, or harm sanitation workers.
2. Assuming North Wake HHW is open
The Raleigh-address HHW facility is closed due to fire damage. Do not drive to 9037 Deponie Dr expecting to drop off chemicals without checking the temporary event schedule first.
3. Taking motor oil or antifreeze to HHW
These go to Multi-Material Recycling Facilities, not HHW. You will be turned away.
4. Bringing unlabeled containers
HHW facilities need to know what is in each container. Unlabeled chemicals may be rejected.
5. Dumping chemicals down drains or storm drains
This is illegal and harms local waterways. Report illegal dumping to the Stormwater Helpline at 919-996-3940.
6. Showing up without an appointment
Some HHW facilities require appointments; some accept walk-ins. Confirm before going to avoid a wasted trip.
7. Ignoring county boundaries
HHW facilities serve Wake County residents. If you live in Raleigh but your property is in Durham, Johnston, or another county, you must use that county's HHW program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I schedule a curbside pickup for chemicals like I can for bulky waste? No. The City of Raleigh's programs explicitly exclude hazardous materials. There is no curbside pickup route for chemicals or pesticides.
How many gallons of paint thinner or pesticides can I bring at once? The only confirmed per-visit limit is 12 fluorescent tubes. Gallon or volume limits for other chemicals are not published. Call 919-996-3245 and ask.
Can I bring chemicals and motor oil in the same trip? No — they go to different facilities. Chemicals go to HHW. Motor oil, antifreeze, and transmission fluid go to Multi-Material Recycling Facilities.
What if I have a chemical container with no label? Call the HHW facility before bringing it. Some facilities can test and identify unknown chemicals; others will reject unlabeled containers.
Is there a fee if I bring a really large amount? Wake County HHW is free for residents for accepted household items. The definition of "household quantity" is not clearly defined on official pages. Call ahead if you have an unusually large volume.
Can businesses use the HHW facility? No. Wake County HHW facilities accept household-generated waste only. Businesses must use licensed hazardous waste transporters.
What about propane tanks? Propane tanks are not listed as HHW-accepted items on Wake County pages. Check with the HHW facility before bringing a propane tank.
Official Verification Checklist
Use this when you call 919-996-3245. Confirm each item:
- Call 919-996-3245 and ask for HHW program details
- Confirm your specific chemical type is accepted (pesticides, cleaners, solvents, etc.)
- Confirm container and label requirements — original labels OK? Leak-check policy?
- Ask about quantity limits per visit — how many gallons or containers?
- Confirm the facility you plan to visit is open — North Wake closure alert applies
- Confirm hours of operation — especially for East Wake (Sat–Sun only)
- Ask about appointment requirements — walk-in or scheduled drop-off?
- Confirm proof of residency needed — driver's license, utility bill, or other
- Ask about business-restricted items — if any doubt about your waste type
- Ask about upcoming HHW collection events — temporary events may be closer to you
Sources
- Raleigh Bulky, Special & E-Waste Collection — Official city page confirming chemical exclusion from curbside programs
- Wake County HHW Facilities — Official county page with locations, hours, accepted items, and North Wake closure notice
- Wake County HHW Service Update (North Wake Closure) — Official closure notice for North Wake facility
- Raleigh — Chemical Pollutants — Official city page listing chemical pollutants and stormwater reporting
- Raleigh — Battery Disposal — Official city page referencing HHW for battery disposal
- Solid Waste Services Customer Care — 919-996-3245 — Primary phone contact
This guide is based on official sources available as of July 2026. Facility policies, fees, hours, and the North Wake closure status change. Always call 919-996-3245 to verify current information before hauling chemicals for disposal.