Designated Materials

You can help make MHSW a success by learning what’s covered and what can’t be returned to an authorized collected site. Right now, the following nine materials are included in the program:
 
Phase 1 of the MHSW program includes the following materials:
  • Paints and coatings
  • Solvents such as thinners for paint, lacquer and contact cement, paint strippers and degreasers
  • Oil filters
  • Empty oil containers for products that contained lubricating oil
  • Single-use, dry cell batteries, e.g., non-rechargeable batteries that can be easily removed and replaced by the consumer
  • Automotive antifreeze
  • Pressurized containers such as propane, oxygen and helium tanks and other compressed gases
  • Fertilizers including supplements and micro-nutrients
  • Pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides
Starting July 2010, the program will include an additional 13 materials, such as:
  • All aerosol containers, including those that contain paint, cleaners, food, hairspray, air fresheners and insecticide
  • Rechargeable batteries
  • Industrial stationary and non-lead acid motive batteries
  • Corrosives and irritants, such as drain cleaners, household bleaches, cleaning products and detergents
  • Portable fire extinguishers
  • Flammables including solvents, gasoline, automotive additives, and other assorted flammables
  • Fluorescent tubes and bulbs
  • Cold-cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) used for backlighting in liquid crystal displays, like your computer or LCD TV*
  • Leachate toxics, including those materials that may be found in lighting ballasts for neon lights
  • Mercury devices, including measuring devices such as thermometers
  • Pharmaceuticals for both humans and pets, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and natural health products
  • Reactive materials which may include materials such as cream hardeners used in auto body repair
  • Sharps, including needles, syringes, lancets and pens
  • Toxic materials, which may include some adhesives and some automotive additives

* Because these CCFLs are found embedded in electronics devices they can only be returned to participating Electronic Stewards depots. Fo find your nearest depot follow this link.