Item: Pesticides, herbicides, cleaning products, pool chemicals, automotive fluids, batteries, aerosol cans, propane cylinders Jurisdiction: Austin city limits / Travis County, Texas Last updated: July 2026
Quick Answer
Austin residents have two routes for household chemical disposal, both free for eligible residents. Schedule on-demand HHW curbside pickup (up to 3 collections per year, 30-gallon total limit, 5-gallon max per container) — or drop off at the Recycle and Reuse Center (2514 Business Center Drive, appointment required). Accepted categories include pesticides, herbicides, cleaning products, pool chemicals, automotive fluids, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, paint, propane cylinders, and more.
Critical rule: Keep products in original labeled containers. Do NOT mix chemicals. Businesses are NOT eligible for residential HHW programs. Call 512-974-4335 to confirm accepted categories, appointment availability, and container rules before loading your vehicle.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary contact | Austin Resource Recovery — 512-974-4335 or 311 |
| Official source hub | Austin Resource Recovery |
| On-demand HHW curbside pickup | Up to 3 per year, 30-gallon total limit, 5-gallon max per container |
| Drop-off | Recycle and Reuse Center at 2514 Business Center Drive — appointment required |
| Cost | Free for Austin and Travis County residents. Non-residents: fee applies (amount UNKNOWN) |
| Container rules | Original labeled containers only. Sealed/closed. Do NOT mix. No trash bags |
| Leaking containers | Bag separately in zip-top bags or use cat litter to absorb spills |
| Placement for pickup | NOT at curb — accessible area (porch, garage, carport) |
| Appointment required | Yes, for Recycle and Reuse Center drop-off |
| Proof of residency | Likely required — confirm when scheduling |
| Business waste | Not eligible for residential HHW. Call 512-974-4335 for business disposal |
| Jurisdiction | This guide applies inside Austin city limits and Travis County residents |
Can Austin Pick Up Chemicals Curbside?
Yes — Austin Resource Recovery offers on-demand HHW curbside collection for residential customers. Here is how it works:
- Frequency: Up to 3 on-demand HHW collections per household per year
- Quantity: 30-gallon total limit per collection, 5-gallon max per individual container
- Container rules: Must be sealed/closed and clearly labeled. Leaking containers: bag separately in zip-top bags or use cat litter to absorb spill in a larger container
- Placement: Do NOT set HHW items at the curb. Place them in an accessible area — front porch, garage, or carport — away from rain, direct sunlight, heat, and sparks
- Pets: Restrained during collection for worker safety
- Scheduling: Use the Austin Recycles app or call 512-974-4335
- Not eligible: Commercial or industrial materials cannot be collected
Important: This service is for residential curbside customers with individual Austin Resource Recovery accounts. Apartments and commercial properties may not qualify — see the Apartment section below.
What Household Chemicals Are Accepted
Austin's HHW program accepts a broad range of household chemicals. Here is the full list from official sources:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Aerosol cans | Spray paint, hairspray, aerosol cleaners, cooking spray |
| Automotive fluids | Motor oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid |
| Batteries | Car batteries, household batteries (alkaline, rechargeable) |
| Cleaning products | All-purpose cleaners, bleach, ammonia, drain cleaners, oven cleaners |
| Cooking oil and grease | Used cooking oil, frying oil (NOT motor oil — separate category) |
| Fluorescent bulbs | CFLs, linear fluorescent tubes, U-bend and circular tubes |
| Mercury | Thermometers, thermostats, mercury switches |
| Paint and paint thinners | Latex, oil-based, stains, varnishes, paint thinner, turpentine |
| Pesticides and herbicides | Insecticides, weed killers, rodenticides, fungicides |
| Pool chemicals | Chlorine, bromine, pH adjusters, algaecides |
| Propane cylinders | Small propane tanks (1 lb camping cylinders) |
If your item is not listed: Use the "What Do I Do With" tool on the Austin Resource Recovery website. Not all household items are accepted through HHW programs.
Container and Packaging Rules
This is the most important safety section for chemical disposal. Mistakes can cause dangerous reactions.
Do:
- Keep all products in original containers with labels intact — the label tells disposal staff what is inside
- Ensure all lids are tightly sealed — test each container before loading
- Place small containers upright in sturdy boxes to prevent tipping
- Pack similar chemicals together but keep incompatible categories separate
Do NOT:
- Mix different chemicals — mixing can cause dangerous reactions, especially with pool chemicals, pesticides, and cleaning products
- Transfer chemicals into unlabeled containers — staff will not accept unidentifiable liquids
- Bring items in trash bags — bags can tear, causing containers to break and contents to mix, potentially causing a chemical reaction
- Overfill containers — max 5 gallons per individual container
Leaking containers:
- Place the leaking container inside a larger, intact container
- Use cat litter or absorbent material to soak up any spill
- Bag the entire assembly in a sealed zip-top bag
- Label "LEAKING CONTAINER"
Drop-Off and Appointment Choices
Recycle and Reuse Center (Self-Haul)
The city-run drop-off facility at 2514 Business Center Drive accepts all the HHW categories listed above. Appointment required — schedule through the Austin Recycles app or by calling 512-974-4335.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 2514 Business Center Drive, Austin |
| Appointment | Required — use Austin Recycles app or call |
| Free for | Austin and Travis County residents |
| Non-resident | Fee applies (amount UNKNOWN) |
| Accepted | All HHW categories listed above |
| Max container | 5 gallons per container |
| Container rules | Original labeled containers, sealed, do not mix |
Unknowns to verify when scheduling:
- Current operating hours (not available on retrieved source pages)
- Exact non-resident fee amount
- Whether certain pesticides require special handling (e.g., restricted-use pesticides)
- Whether propane cylinders are accepted at the center or need separate handling
Periodic HHW Collection Events
Austin may host periodic HHW collection events. Not confirmed in the source pages — ask about upcoming events when you call Austin Resource Recovery or check the Austin Recycles app.
Business Chemical Disposal
The Recycle and Reuse Center does not accept business-generated HHW. Call 512-974-4335 for business disposal guidance. Contractors with bulk chemicals must use a licensed hazardous waste transporter.
Business and Bulk Quantity Rules
City HHW programs serve household-generated waste only.
- Businesses are NOT eligible for HHW drop-off at the Recycle and Reuse Center or on-demand HHW curbside pickup
- Call 512-974-4335 for business disposal guidance — the city provides a separate number for this purpose
- Small-business exception: Not confirmed in source pages. Ask when calling
- Contractors with bulk chemicals must use a licensed hazardous waste transporter
- Property managers clearing out units: call 512-974-4335 to discuss whether you qualify for residential HHW services
Apartment and Renter Edge Cases
If you rent and your complex uses a private waste hauler:
- On-demand HHW curbside pickup may not be available (requires individual ARR account)
- However, you can visit the Recycle and Reuse Center as an individual Austin resident — this is the more reliable route for renters
What to do:
- Call 512-974-4335 and ask: "I live in an apartment in Austin. Can I use on-demand HHW curbside pickup, or should I use the Recycle and Reuse Center?"
- Schedule an appointment at the Recycle and Reuse Center through the Austin Recycles app
- Transport chemicals safely — see preparation section below
- Bring proof of residency — driver's license, utility bill, or lease
HOA-governed communities:
- May have additional restrictions on storing HHW for scheduled pickup
- Check with your HOA board before scheduling on-demand collection
How to Prepare Chemicals for Disposal
For curbside HHW pickup:
- Keep in original labeled containers — labels tell disposal staff exactly what is inside
- Seal all lids tightly — double-check each one
- Do NOT mix chemicals — this is the most critical safety rule
- Place small containers upright in sturdy boxes so they do not tip
- Handle leaking containers by bagging separately or using cat litter for absorption
- Do NOT pack items in trash bags — bags can tear, causing mixing and potential reactions
- Place HHW items in an accessible area — front porch, garage, or carport. NOT at the curb
- Keep away from rain, direct sunlight, heat sources, and sparks
- Restrain pets during the scheduled collection day
For drop-off at Recycle and Reuse Center:
- Transport in original labeled containers — same rule applies
- Secure upright in boxes — use boxes with dividers if transporting multiple small containers
- Separate incompatible chemicals — keep pool chlorine away from acids, flammables away from oxidizers. Use separate boxes for different hazard classes
- Ventilate your vehicle — crack windows if transporting strong-smelling chemicals
- Load last, unload first — keep HHW containers accessible
- Bring proof of residency — your ID or a recent utility bill showing your Austin address
- Arrive during your appointment window — confirm hours when you book
Potential Fees and Costs
| Route | Fee for Residents | Fee for Non-Residents |
|---|---|---|
| On-demand HHW curbside pickup | No fee mentioned — likely included with service | N/A (residents only) |
| Recycle and Reuse Center drop-off | Free for Austin/Travis County residents | Fee applies — amount UNKNOWN |
What you should ask when scheduling:
- "Is there a per-container fee or per-visit fee for chemical drop-off?"
- "What is the non-resident fee at the Recycle and Reuse Center?"
- "Are there any special fees for pesticides or pool chemicals?"
Official Verification Checklist
Use this when you call 512-974-4335 or schedule through the Austin Recycles app. Tick each item as you confirm it.
- Call Austin Resource Recovery — 512-974-4335 or 311
- Confirm HHW pickup eligibility for your specific address
- Verify your chemical types are accepted — especially if you have pool chemicals, pesticides, or propane cylinders
- Schedule on-demand HHW pickup (if eligible) or book appointment at Recycle and Reuse Center
- Confirm container rules — original labels required? Max container size?
- Ask about leaking container procedures
- Confirm fees — free for residents? Non-resident fee amount?
- Confirm operating hours for the Recycle and Reuse Center
- Ask about upcoming HHW collection events
- Confirm proof of residency required
- Ask about pesticide-specific restrictions if you have agricultural or restricted-use chemicals
- Ask about business disposal if you are clearing a commercial property
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix different cleaning products together for disposal? No. Never mix chemicals. Mixing can cause dangerous reactions, especially with bleach, ammonia, pool chemicals, and acid-based cleaners. Keep all products in their original containers.
Does Austin accept pool chemicals as HHW? Yes — pool chemicals (chlorine, bromine, pH adjusters, algaecides) are listed as accepted HHW items. Keep them in original containers and separate from other chemicals during transport.
Can I bring chemicals in unlabeled containers? No. All containers must have original labels intact. If a label has fallen off, write the contents clearly on the container with a permanent marker. Unidentifiable containers will likely be refused.
What if a container is leaking? Bag the leaking container separately in a zip-top bag, or place it inside a larger container with cat litter to absorb the spill. Label it clearly as leaking.
Does Austin accept propane cylinders? Small propane cylinders (1 lb camping canisters) are listed as accepted HHW. Larger propane tanks (20 lb grill tanks) may have different rules — call to confirm.
Can I put empty chemical containers in the recycling bin? Only if they are completely empty and rinsed. Aerosol cans that are empty may be recyclable — check with Austin Resource Recovery. Containers with residue are HHW.
What about old or expired pesticides? Accepted through both HHW routes. Keep in original containers and ask about any special handling requirements when you call.
Sources
- Austin Resource Recovery — City of Austin — Official municipal hub for all waste and recycling services
- On-demand HHW Collection Program — Official program page with HHW pickup rules, accepted items, and limits
- Recycle and Reuse Center — Official facility page with accepted HHW items and appointment information
- Austin Resource Recovery — 512-974-4335 — Primary contact for scheduling, fees, and eligibility questions
This guide is based on official sources available as of July 2026. Facility policies, fees, hours, and accepted items change. Always call 512-974-4335 or check the Austin Recycles app to verify current requirements before disposing of household chemicals.