Hazardous Waste Disposal For Brookline Begins In May

BROOKLINE, MA – The Brookline Department of Public Works will offer household hazardous waste recycling to residents again this year.

Brookline residents can safely dispose of hazardous and universal waste items at Brookline’s household hazardous waste recycling facility located at 815 Newton St. every Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., beginning May 2 through Oct. 31.

The program is free for all Brookline residents, but proof of residency is required.

Accepted materials to be recycled include: lightbulbs//CFLs, batteries, oil-based paint, mercury-containing products, fuels, garden fertilizers, and more.

Items such as latex/water-based paint, asbestos, infectious/biological wastes, prescription medicines, and commercial hazardous waste are not accepted.

Tires, electronics, and small appliances are the only bulk items that residents may drop-off at the hazardous waste facility. Residents who use the municipal trash service can call 617-730-2156 to schedule a curbside pickup for all other bulk items, including furniture, mattresses, and large appliances such as refrigerators or washing machines.

For a complete list of materials that are and are not accepted at the hazardous waste facility, click here.

The Department of Public Works requests that all visitors adhere to the following guidelines to ensure the health and safety of residents and DPW staff while utilizing the disposal service:

• Keep products in their original containers, which have important safety and disposal information on the label. Products in non-original containers will not be accepted.
• Never mix hazardous or toxic products. Mixing products could cause a violent or sometimes explosive reaction.
• Transport items in the trunk of a car or bed of a truck. Materials should be packed carefully so nothing will spill during transportation.
• Residents must stay in their vehicles at all times upon arriving at the Hazardous Waste Facility. DPW staff will safely remove materials from the vehicle.
• Smoking and vaping are prohibited at the Hazardous Waste Facility.

Additional universal waste disposal locations will be located at:

• Brookline Senior Center, 93 Winchester St., open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. This location will only accept single-use/rechargeable batteries, filled aerosol cans, and lightbulbs that are a maximum length of 50 inches.
• Brookline Public Works Town Hall Office, 333 Washington St., open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This location will only accept single-use/rechargeable batteries.
• Brookline Public Works Municipal Service Center, 870 Hammond St., open Mondays from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Fridays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment only. This location will only accept single-use/rechargeable batteries and lightbulbs. To make an appointment, please contact Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator, Patrick O’Neill, at poneill@brooklinema.gov.

“The Department of Public Works is thrilled to be able to offer this program to Brookline residents again this year," Commissioner Erin Chute Gallentine said in a news release. "Our Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Program provides a terrific opportunity for all residents to protect the environment and responsibly dispose of household hazardous materials at no cost.”