Where can you throw away old chemicals and electronics in Chicago?

CHICAGO — Throwing away old chemicals and electronics can prove to be a hassle, but improper disposal could be an even bigger headache, as it greatly increases the risk of contaminating the environment.

In Chicago, the city avoids issues stemming from the improper disposal of chemicals and electronics by providing residents with a facility where they can safely take those items to be disposed of or recycled.

What is the Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility (HCCRF)?

Located in the 1100 block of North North Branch Street, residents will find the Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility (HCCRF), which is operated by the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH).

According to the CDPH, household chemicals or old computers often contain harmful substances like lead, mercury, and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), which can contaminate the air, soil and water when they are thrown away like normal garbage.

But at the HCCRF, crews take those hazardous substances and dispose of them or recycle and reuse them in an environmentally responsible manner.

What chemicals can be taken to Chicago’s HCCRF?

The CDPH provided the following list of items that are accepted at the HCCRF:

• Household chemicals (bleach, harsh cleaning materials and drain cleaners)
• Batteries (rechargeable, car batteries, small lead acid, lithium batteries)
• Oil-based paints, aerosol paints and paint thinners
• Solvents (mineral spirits, stains, paint strippers, preservatives, sealers)
• Compact fluorescent light bulbs and tubes.
• Antifreeze
• Motor oil, gasoline, auto fluids
• Herbicides, pesticides and insecticides
• Propane tanks for BBQ grills
• Lead acid batteries
• All aerosol cans (spray paint, hair spray)
• Lawn, pool and hobby chemicals
• Mercury (thermometers, switches, thermostats)
• Small fire extinguishers
• Small non-refillable cylinders

What chemicals are prohibited at the HCCRF?

While the HCCRF accepts a host of chemicals and electronics, there are several items that can not be turned in.

The CDPH provided the following list of items that are not accepted at the HCCRF:

• Alkaline batteries
• Explosives, ammunition, or fireworks
• Latex paint, acrylic and water-based paint
• Agricultural and institutional waste
• Smoke or carbon monoxide detectors
• Farm machinery oil
• Cement or concrete
• Household appliances
• Medical waste
• Radioactive materials
• Refrigerants/freons
• Air conditioners
• Tires
• Large/business copy machines
• Pharmaceuticals

Additionally, the CDPH says the HCCRF is only for residents; businesses and large groups with chemicals or electronics to dispose of must work with a private disposal company to have these materials properly disposed of.

What happens to chemicals taken to the HCCRF?

Material dropped off at the HCCRF could undergo a number of processes depending on what exactly it is.

The CDPH says that while some materials taken to the HCCRF may be recycled or reused, others may be sent to a hazardous waste landfill or incinerated.

The facilities’ incinerators utilize state-of-the-art air pollution control equipment to ensure they do not release hazardous pollutants.

Additionally, chemicals like household cleaning products and automotive fluids that are still usable are set to the side and made available for free at the HCCRF material exchange room.

Those interested in looking through the free chemicals available should ask an HCCRF staff member during regular hours of operation. Free chemicals are available to everyone, not just those dropping things off.

When is the HCCRF open?

The HCCRF is open on Tuesdays from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and the first Saturday of every month from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The site’s blue building is designated for household chemicals, while the yellow building is designated for old electronics.

Once at the site, residents can pull up to the chemical drop-off area where they will be met by an attendant,

Those who visit the site will meet an attendant who will sift through the materials to ensure they are accepted.

The attendant will then return anything that is not accepted.

After going through the chemical drop-off area, residents can then navigate to the electronics drop-off area or leave the HCCRF.