Hazardous materials exist in our homes in many seemingly innocent forms such as paints and stains, cleansers and polishes, motor oil and antifreeze, and pesticides and herbicides, to name only a few. Typically, these products have the words "Danger", "Warning" or "Caution" on the label. These words are signals that you should be careful when using and disposing of these products. After all, we have only one environment to protect from these potentially dangerous chemicals.

Dangerous reactions are possible when hazardous materials are combined, so never mix used motor oil, antifreeze, gasoline, paint, paint thinner, pesticides, solvents or other potentially hazardous liquids together. RSWA urges everyone to protect the environment and never pour these items onto the ground or down a storm sewer . just bring them to RSWA for proper waste management. Just think, one quart of oil can contaminate 250,000 gallons of water! Hazardous material should also be segregated from your daily solid waste stream and stored safely pending proper disposal.

RSWA operates a household hazardous waste collection site at the Ivy location. Residents of the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County can bring the following items to the RSWA Ivy site, Monday through Saturday between the hours of 7:30 am and 4:00 pm:

Antifreeze
Motor Oil
Please note:
there is a fifty-five (55) gallon maximum per visit.

Each year the RSWA holds a larger scale household hazardous waste collection day. On this day, RSWA accepts additional hazardous substances and ensures that they are properly categorized and directed to a permitted offsite hazardous substance management location. The materials accepted on this day include:

Acids
Gasoline
Kerosene
Adhesives
Pesticides
Household Cleaners
Floor and Furniture Polish
Paint-Related Products and Solvents
Batteries
Antifreeze
Motor Oil

Items not accepted at any time include:
Propane Tanks
Radioactive Waste
Medical Waste
Explosives
Ammunition
For more information about existing programs: the Recycling Operations Manager, 977-2976, ext. 128.