Item: Household chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and other household hazardous waste (HHW) Jurisdiction: Columbus city limits, Franklin County, Ohio Official source: City of Columbus HHW Collection + SWACO HHW Facility Last updated: July 2026
Quick Answer
Franklin County residents can drop off household chemicals, pesticides, and other HHW free of charge at the SWACO HHW Facility: 645 E. 8th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201 (corner of E. 8th and Essex Ave). Hours: Monday–Friday 9 AM–5 PM, first Saturday of the month 9 AM–2 PM. Closed holidays. Phone: 614-294-1300 (EEI contractor). No appointment is required. Most items are free; the only known exception is latex/water-based paint at approximately $1/gallon. Bring items in original labeled containers, sealed, and do not mix chemicals. SWACO also holds mobile HHW collection events throughout the year.
Never put household chemicals, pesticides, or hazardous waste in your regular trash, recycling, storm drains, or waterways. It is illegal and environmentally harmful. The City of Columbus Waste and Reuse Convenience Centers do NOT accept hazardous, flammable, or explosive materials.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary facility | SWACO HHW Facility — 645 E. 8th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201 |
| Hours | Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM, first Sat 9 AM–2 PM (closed holidays) |
| Phone | 614-294-1300 (EEI contractor who operates the facility) |
| Cost | Free for Franklin County residents (exception: latex paint ~$1/gallon) |
| Appointment required | Not required per available sources — confirm by phone |
| Accepted items | Pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, batteries, corrosives, flammables, toxics, reactives, motor oil, antifreeze, gasoline, propane tanks, oil-based paint, smoke detectors, and more |
| Not accepted | Ammunition, asbestos, needles/medical waste, spray foam cylinders, tires, appliances, business waste |
| Convenience centers | Do NOT accept hazardous materials — go to the SWACO HHW Facility instead |
| Mobile events | Free mobile HHW drop-off events throughout the year (example: July 18, 2026 at Georgesville Convenience Center) |
| Proof of residency | Likely required (driver's license or utility bill showing Franklin County address) |
| Business waste | Not eligible for residential HHW program — businesses must call EEI at 614-294-1300 for commercial disposal |
What Counts as Household Hazardous Waste (Chemicals)
The SWACO HHW program accepts a broad range of household chemicals. If you are cleaning out a garage, shed, or under-sink cabinet, these categories cover most common items:
Accepted Categories
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Pesticides / Herbicides / Fertilizers | Weed killer, insect spray, rodent poison, lawn chemicals, fungicides |
| Corrosives | Acids, caustics, bleach, household cleaners, paint strippers, drain cleaners |
| Flammables | Aerosol spray paint, antifreeze, brake fluid, gasoline, kerosene, insecticides, pool chemicals, nail polish remover |
| Toxics | Fluorescent bulbs, antifreeze, insecticides, rat poison, mercury-containing items |
| Reactives | Cyanides, pool chemicals, some industrial cleaners |
| Batteries | Alkaline, lithium, rechargeable, car batteries, computer batteries |
| Automotive fluids | Motor oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, gasoline, gasoline/oil mix, kerosene |
| Other | E-cigarettes, fats/oils/greases (cooking), fire extinguishers, oil-based paint, propane/helium tanks, smoke detectors, stains, thinners, turpentine |
Not Accepted at SWACO HHW Facility
- Ammunition, explosives, or fireworks
- Asbestos
- Needles, sharps, or medical waste
- Spray foam cylinders (uncured)
- Tires (see tires disposal guide)
- Appliances (see furniture/bulky waste guide)
- Business or commercial waste of any kind
If you are unsure whether a specific chemical is accepted, call 614-294-1300 before hauling it across town.
SWACO HHW Facility — Address, Hours, Contact
Location
SWACO Household Hazardous Waste Facility 645 E. 8th Avenue Columbus, OH 43201 (Corner of E. 8th and Essex Ave)
Hours
- Monday–Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM
- First Saturday of each month: 9 AM – 2 PM
- Closed: Sundays and all holidays
Contact
- Phone: 614-294-1300 (EEI — the contractor that operates the facility)
- SWACO general info: 614-871-5100
- Website: swaco.org
What to Know
- No appointment required per available sources — but call to confirm before traveling
- All Franklin County residents are eligible
- Drive-up drop-off — you unload your items at the facility
- Credit/debit card payments may carry a processing fee — confirm when calling
Accepted and Not Accepted Items
The SWACO HHW program accepts household-use chemicals in reasonable residential quantities.
Items Accepted (Free for Franklin County Residents)
- Batteries (all types — alkaline, lithium, vehicle, computer)
- Corrosives (acids, caustics, bleach, drain cleaners)
- Flammables (aerosol sprays, antifreeze, brake fluid, gasoline, insecticides, kerosene, nail polish remover, pool chemicals)
- Toxics (fluorescent bulbs, antifreeze, insecticides, rat poison)
- Reactives (cyanides, pool chemicals)
- Pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers
- E-cigarettes and vaping devices
- Fats, oils, greases (cooking — tightly sealed)
- Fire extinguishers
- Gasoline and kerosene
- Motor oil and oil filters (ask about filters)
- Oil-based paint (free)
- Propane and helium tanks
- Smoke detectors
- Stains, thinners, turpentine
Items Accepted for a Fee
- Latex/water-based paint: ~$1/gallon (see section below)
Items NOT Accepted
- Ammunition, explosives, or fireworks
- Asbestos
- Needles, sharps, medical waste
- Spray foam cylinders (uncured)
- Tires
- Appliances
- Refrigerated appliances (refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners)
- Business or commercial waste
Fees and Costs
The SWACO HHW program for Franklin County residents is mostly free. Here is what you need to know about costs:
| Item Type | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pesticides, fertilizers, lawn chemicals | Free | Most common HHW categories |
| Corrosives, flammables, toxics | Free | Household cleaners, bleach, aerosols, etc. |
| Batteries (all types) | Free | Alkaline, lithium, car batteries |
| Automotive fluids (oil, antifreeze, gas) | Free | Include brake fluid, kerosene |
| Oil-based paint, stains, thinners | Free | |
| Fluorescent bulbs, smoke detectors | Free | |
| Latex/water-based paint | ~$1/gallon | Charged by EEI — confirm current fee |
| Mobile HHW events | Free | No charge for Franklin County residents |
| Business/commercial disposal | Commercial rates | Call EEI at 614-294-1300 |
Latex Paint — Not HHW, But Accepted for a Fee
Latex (water-based) paint is not classified as a hazardous waste by the EPA, which is why it is handled differently.
Option 1: Pay for Drop-Off at SWACO (Approx. $1/Gallon)
The SWACO HHW Facility accepts latex paint for a fee of approximately $1 per gallon. Call 614-294-1300 to confirm the current rate before bringing it.
Option 2: Dry It Out and Dispose in Regular Trash
Since latex paint is not hazardous, you can dry it out and put it in your regular trash:
- For small amounts: remove the lid and let the paint air-dry
- For larger amounts: stir in cat litter, sawdust, or commercial paint hardener
- Once fully dry (solid, no liquid), place in regular trash with the lid off
Do not attempt to dry out oil-based paint — that is hazardous and must go to the HHW facility.
How to Prepare Chemicals for Drop-Off
Safe preparation prevents spills, accidents, and rejected loads.
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Keep original labels. Containers should have legible original labels whenever possible. If a label is missing, write the contents on the container with a permanent marker.
- Do NOT mix chemicals. Never combine different chemicals into one container — this can create toxic fumes, fire, or explosion hazards.
- Check for leaks. Containers must be sealed and not leaking. Place leaking containers in a separate plastic bag, double-bagged and sealed. Label the bag.
- Pack upright in sturdy boxes. Line boxes with newspaper to absorb any drips. Do not use trash bags for transport — containers can get crushed.
- Secure in transport. Place boxes in the trunk or cargo area, away from passengers. Wedge boxes so they cannot tip over.
- Battery prep. Tape terminals on batteries (masking or electrical tape works) or keep them in original packaging to prevent short circuits and fire risk.
- Call ahead. Confirm hours, accepted items, and any special instructions by calling 614-294-1300 before loading the car.
What Not to Do
- Do not pour chemicals down drains, storm drains, or onto the ground — illegal in Ohio
- Do not smoke or have open flames near flammable chemicals during transport
- Do not attempt to repackage leaking containers by transferring to another jug — place the leaking container inside a larger sealed vessel or double bag
- Do not bring items in trash bags — use sturdy boxes
SWACO Mobile HHW Collection Events
SWACO periodically holds mobile HHW collection events at various locations throughout Franklin County. These events are free and open to Franklin County residents.
Known 2026 event:
- July 18, 2026 — Georgesville Convenience Center (1550 Georgesville Rd), Columbus
This event is confirmed as of this writing. For the full 2026 schedule and additional dates:
- Check swaco.org
- Call 614-294-1300
- Call 614-871-5100
Mobile events accept the same categories as the permanent HHW facility. They may have lower per-visit volume limits — confirm when you register or arrive.
Apartment and Renter Edge Cases
Apartment resident with household chemicals
SWACO states that HHW services are available to "all Franklin County residents." This includes apartment residents within Columbus city limits. Drive your personal vehicle to the SWACO HHW Facility at 645 E. 8th Ave. If you are unsure whether your specific address qualifies, call 614-294-1300 to confirm.
Renter with a collection of chemicals from a landlord
If your landlord or property manager has collected chemicals from multiple units, that may be considered commercial waste. Individual residents should bring only their own household-sized quantities. Property managers with bulk chemical disposal needs should contact EEI at 614-294-1300 for commercial service.
No vehicle access
Transporting hazardous chemicals without a vehicle is not recommended for safety reasons. Do not use public transit or ride-share services to transport chemicals. Options:
- Ask a neighbour or friend with a vehicle for help
- Coordinate a trip with a family member
- Check whether any mobile HHW events are scheduled closer to your address
Business and Commercial Chemical Disposal
The SWACO HHW program is strictly for household-use hazardous waste. If you own a business, farm, or commercial operation, you are not eligible to use the residential HHW facility.
Businesses must:
- Call EEI at 614-294-1300 for commercial disposal pricing
- Arrange for a licensed hazardous waste transporter
- Not attempt to dispose of commercial chemicals at the residential HHW facility
Do not estimate costs — commercial rates vary. Ask EEI for a written quote.
Safety Caveats
- Never mix chemicals. Combining household chemicals can produce toxic fumes, fire, or explosion.
- Keep chemicals away from children and pets during preparation and transport.
- Do not smoke near flammable chemicals.
- If a container is leaking, do not attempt to transfer to another container — seal the leaking container inside a larger vessel or double bag and label it.
- HHW should never be poured down drains or onto the ground — illegal in Ohio and harmful to the environment.
- If you feel unwell from chemical fumes, get fresh air immediately and call Poison Control at 800-222-1222.
Official Verification Checklist
Before loading chemicals and heading to the facility, run through this list:
- Call SWACO / EEI at 614-294-1300 — confirm hours, accepted categories, and any restrictions.
- Confirm fees — ask which items are free and whether latex paint fee has changed.
- Confirm quantity limits — ask if there is a per-visit limit on chemicals.
- Verify proof of residency needed — driver's license, utility bill with Franklin County address.
- Ask about mobile events — check if any HHW events are scheduled closer to you.
- Confirm pesticide-specific rules — ask if restricted-use pesticides or large containers require special handling.
- Prepare containers — original labels, sealed, not leaking, do not mix chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put old pesticides in the regular trash? No. Pesticides are household hazardous waste and must go to the SWACO HHW Facility. Never put them in the trash, recycling, or drains.
Is there a limit on how many chemicals I can bring per visit? No explicit limit is stated on SWACO pages. Ask 614-294-1300 what quantity is reasonable per visit.
Can I bring chemicals from outside Franklin County? No. The SWACO HHW program serves Franklin County residents only. If you live outside Franklin County, contact your county solid waste authority.
Do the Waste and Reuse Convenience Centers accept chemicals? No. Convenience centers do not accept hazardous, flammable, or explosive materials. Go to the SWACO HHW Facility on 8th Avenue.
What about old gas cans? Gasoline is accepted at the HHW facility. Empty gas cans with no residue can go in regular trash; full or partially full cans should be brought to the HHW facility.
How should I transport old pesticides? Keep them in original labeled containers, upright, and secure in the trunk. Do not mix different chemicals. If a container leaks, double-bag it separately.
Can I bring chemicals for a neighbor or family member? If the chemicals are from a household within Franklin County, likely yes. But large quantities from multiple households may look commercial — call ahead.
Sources
- City of Columbus HHW Collection Page — Official information on HHW drop-off and accepted items.
- SWACO HHW Page — Official waste authority page with accepted categories, fees, and facility info.
- City of Columbus Hazardous Waste Page — Hazardous waste handling guidelines.
- Waste and Reuse Convenience Centers — List of items accepted (hazardous materials not accepted).
- SWACO HHW Facility — 614-294-1300 (EEI contractor)
- SWACO general info — 614-871-5100
- Columbus 311 — 614-645-3111
This guide is based on official sources available as of July 2026. Fees, hours, and policies change. Always call 614-294-1300 to verify current information before hauling chemicals for disposal.