Unacceptable Materials

These items cannot be brought to the Washtenaw County Home Toxics program for disposal. 

Due to regulations, the Home Toxics Center cannot except waste used for a business purpose or from out-of-county residents, except for fertilizer and pesticides. Contact us for assistance in finding an alternative disposal method if necessary.

Unacceptable Items

  • Asbestos
  • Batteries in a serial configuration (*see below for more information)
  • Business Waste
  • Compost / Yard Waste (check local government for opportunities near you)
  • Empty Containers
  • Electronic Waste
  • Explosives and Ammunition (accepted at Sheriff Sub-Stations, call your local station prior to bringing in materials)
  • Flares and Fireworks (contact the State Police for a pick-up)
  • Fertilizer and plant food without herbicide, fungicide, or pesticide 
  • Fluorescent tube bulbs longer than 4 feet in length.
  • Freon Appliances (PDF) (Accepted at the Drop-Off Station)
  • Incandescent Light Bulbs
  • Medical Waste such as blood, gauze, linen, etc. 
  • Medication / Pharmaceuticals (Visit the link to find local opportunities for drop off)
  • Laboratory Chemicals
  • Radioactive Materials
  • Recyclables like cardboard, plastics, glass, styrofoam, etc.
  • Tires
  • Trash


*Batteries in a serial configuration are connected in a way that each contributes to the overall voltage of batteries (see picture below). These voltages are too high for our staff to handle safely.

Picture of batteries in a serial configuration