Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program
Many pesticides, cleaning products and paints contain toxic chemicals which should not be disposed of with household trash. If you have these types of waste and want to dispose properly, call to make an appointment at one of the household hazardous waste collection sites listed below.
Accepted Substances
- batteries (all types)
- pesticides
- weed killer
- cleaners & polishes
- aerosols
- wood preservatives
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- oil based paint products (thinners, solvents, varnish)
- photographic chemicals
- mercury thermometers
- compact fluorescent bulbs
- home repair products (glue & cement)
- unwanted or expired medications (no controlled substances)
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NOTES:
- NO smoke detectors or explosives
- Latex Paint is non-toxic. Latex paint can be mixed with kitty litter or oildry , then leave cover off until it dries. It then can be disposed with your trash service.
Collection Sites
YOU MUST CALL TO SCHEDULE A TIME - Call during regular business hours to schedule an appointment.
Not all townships or cities are eligible for this service.
| | 3255 122nd Ave.
Suite 200
Allegan | 269-686-4559 | - Appointments available Tuesdays and Thursdays during regular business hours
- Residential materials only
- See additional information on Mercury Thermometers and Medical Sharps on this page
| | | 331 Broad Street
Plainwell | 269-685-9824 | - Service available to Gun Plain Township residents at no charge (identify yourself as a township resident)
- Information about costs for handling commercial wastes can be provided
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Unwanted Medication Disposal
Allegan County has recognized the impact that unwanted medications can effect our Environment, Public Health and Community. Permanent drop off boxes for unwanted medications are available at these law enforcement agencies. This service is for unwanted medications. Please drop off during office hours.
| Unwanted Medications can be dropped off at the following law enforcement stations during office hours: |
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| Douglas City Police Dept. |
47 Center St., Douglas |
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| Plainwell City Police Dept. |
119 Island Ave, Plainwell |
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| Wayland City Police Dept. |
160 West Superior St., Wayland |
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| Fennville Police Dept. |
177 N. Maple St., Fennville |
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| Gun Lake Tribal Police |
2869 Mno Bmadzewen Dr., Shelbyville |
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| Otsego Police Dept. |
127 Court St., Otsego |
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| State Police Post (Wayland) |
544 N. Main St., Wayland |
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Additional Information
Mercury Thermometers
The Health Department also accepts mercury thermometers for recycling and recommends that all area residents replace these dangerous instruments with safer digital devices. Mercury is a heavy metal which accumulates in the body and can damage the brain, spinal cord, kidneys and liver. If mercury spills from a broken thermometer and is not carefully and thoroughly cleaned up, it will continue to evaporate, reaching potentially harmful levels in indoor air. Mercury thermometers may be dropped off at the Health Department by appointment. Wrap thermometers in plastic and place them in a sealed container (such as a disposable plastic jar, bottle or tub) for transport. Mercury must be placed in a sealed container or a double bag when dropping off thermometers and thermostats!
Medical Sharps
The Allegan County Health Department sponsors a collection program for medical sharps, such as used syringes and disposable lancets. Improperly discarded medical sharps can injure family members, animals, waste management workers and end up in places where they are a danger to the public, such as our beaches. These sharps are a hazard because they may be contaminated with disease causing bacteria or viruses. County residents can pick up a free sharps container at the Health Department or purchase them at local pharmacies. Full containers, labeled with the resident’s name and address, can be brought to the Health Department by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays where they will be properly disposed off through the county’s regularly scheduled medical waste pick-up. Contact
269-686-4559![]( "Call: 269-686-4559")
for appointment.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Totals by Year in Pounds
| Year |
Total Pounds Collected |
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| 2017 |
33,159 |
| 2011 |
20,214 |
| 2010 |
30,598 |
| 2009 |
14,325 |
| 2008 |
10,633 |
| 2007 |
12,926 |
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| Questions? Call Resource Recovery: (269) 686-4559 |  |
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