Hazardous Waste

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Mercury Collection

Mercury collection is available to Wakefield residents and businesses at the Nahant Street Site during scheduled days of the season. No permit is required for mercury collection. In 2024, collection will take place on Apr. 24, June 12, Aug. 21, and Nov. 6, from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Hazardous Waste Collection Day

Reading and Wakefield co-host hazardous waste days for residents of these two communities. 

June 2024 date: to be determined
Reading Public Works | 75 New Crossing Rd.

November 9, 2024
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Wakefield High School | 60 Farm St.

Recogida de Materiales Domésticos Peligrosos

If you need to dispose of hazardous waste in between these local collections, check out the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection site for collection sites.

The following items will be collected (Los artículos a ser recogidos incluyen):

From the house:

  • drain cleaners
  • oven cleaners
  • furniture polish
  • metal polish
  • arts & crafts supplies
  • photo chemicals
  • floor cleaners
  • window cleaners
  • dry cleaning fluids
  • radiator cleaners
  • propane tanks
  • nail polish & remover

From the workbench:

  • rust preventatives
  • wood preservatives
  • wood strippers
  • oil/lead based paint
  • paint thinner
  • solvents
  • degreasers
  • sealant
  • spray paint

From the yard:

  • pesticides (including 2,4,5-T, Silvex)
  • herbicides
  • insect sprays
  • rodent killers
  • pool chemicals
  • muriatic acid
  • no-pest strips
  • cesspool cleaners

From the garage:

  • gasoline
  • car batteries
  • tires – car (no rims)
  • truck tires
  • antifreeze
  • brake fluid
  • wax polish
  • engine & radiator flushes
  • transmission fluid
  • used motor oil

The following items will not be collected at this event: 

  • asbestos, ammunition, pharmaceuticals 
  • commercial waste 
  • biologically active, radioactive, or explosive materials 
  • latex paint (let dry and put out with weekly trash pickup) 
  • lithium batteries 
  • garbage (will be taken by regular weekly trash pickup) 
  • septage (must be removed by a licensed hauler) 
  • TVs/CRTs