By Neva Maxwell, Land Services Director - Cook County - July 13, 2026

As summer projects hit their peak, Cook County residents are encouraged to clear out their garages, sheds, and homes of dangerous materials. The Cook County Recycling Center will host a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection event on Saturday, July 18th, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  This free event is a safe way to dispose of chemicals that are otherwise illegal to toss in the trash.

Hidden Hazards in the Home

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American household generates more than 20 pounds of hazardous waste annually. However, many homes can accumulate as much as 100 pounds of old paint, chemicals, and cleaners over time, often sitting in storage until a resident moves out. 

Sometimes it’s tricky to know which household items are hazardous. Hazardous products and items have the potential to harm your family and the environment. The easiest way to determine if a product is hazardous is to look at the labels. Words and symbols indicating “DANGER,” “WARNING,” “CAUTION,” “TOXIC,” “CORROSIVE,” or “POISON” help indicate a product is hazardous.

Common items accepted at the event include:

• Home & Hobby: Paints, solvents, and nail polish.
• Yard & Garden: Lawn care products and pesticides.
• Automotive: Fluids and fuel additives.
• Cleaning: Heavy-duty household cleaners.
• Lighting: Any fluorescent bulbs.
• Batteries: All battery types, including alkaline, lithium, and any rechargeables.

Residents should note that electronic waste will not be accepted at this specific collection.

Safety and Prevention

For those planning to attend, officials recommend transporting materials in their original containers with labels intact. To prevent spills, items should be placed upright in a box or plastic tub. Mixing different chemicals is strictly discouraged, as incompatible products can react, ignite, or explode.

Proper disposal of hazardous products is good and decreasing future use is even better. Before purchasing new products, read the label. Product instructions can help you measure and calculate the total amount you need. Otherwise, ask your retailer for assistance to determine the right amount for your needs.

Another way to reduce hazardous products in your home is to avoid purchasing them or switch to non-toxic alternatives. Instead of reaching for a heavy-duty cleaner, you can reach into your cupboard instead. Common household materials such as baking soda and vinegar can often do the job on floors and other surfaces. When shopping for items, review the warning labels and look for items that do not contain hazard labels.

If You Go

Residents who are unsure if a specific item is hazardous can consult the Disposal Guide at ResourceRenew.com. Even if an item is unidentifiable, the county encourages residents to bring it to the event, where trained staff can help determine the best method of disposal.

What: Cook County HHW Collection Event

When: Saturday, 18th | 9 a.m. – Noon

Where: Cook County Recycling Center, 630 5th Ave West, Grand Marais

Cost: Free for Cook County residents

More Info: Call Cook County Land Services at 218-387-3630.

ATTENTION BUSINESS OWNERS: VSQG DISPOSAL

While the July 18th event is open to businesses, the process is different from that for residents. If your business, non-profit, or organization generates less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste per month, you qualify as a Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG).

Business Requirements for the July 18th Event:

• No Drop-ins: Businesses must pre-register. You cannot simply show up with waste on the day of the event without prior approval.
• Pre-Approval & Inventory: You are required to submit an inventory of your waste to Resource Renew in advance to receive a disposal cost estimate.
• Fees Apply: Unlike the residential collection, there is a fee for business waste disposal.
• ID Number: You must have a State/MPCA Hazardous Waste Identification Number to participate. 

How to Register: To bring business waste to the Cook County collection site, you must contact Resource Renew at 218-726-1602 at least one week before the event to confirm eligibility, complete your registration, and receive your scheduled drop-off instructions.

BATTERY SAFETY ALERT

Don’t let your trash start a fire. Batteries thrown in a garbage or recycling bin can be crushed during transport, sparking dangerous fires that put workers at risk.

How you can help:

• BRING ALL BATTERIES: Whether they are alkaline, lithium, or rechargeable, bring them all to the HHW collection on July 18th.
• TAPE THE TERMINALS: To prevent sparks, please place a small piece of clear tape over the positive and negative ends (the terminals) of each battery.
• IDENTIFY LITHIUM: Look for the word "Lithium" on the label. These are high-risk for fires and should never be placed in household trash or recycling.

 Protect our workers. Dispose of batteries safely.

County Connections is a column on timely topics and service information from your Cook County government. Cook County – Supporting Community Through Quality Public Service.