Got old electronics and chemicals at home? How to get rid of them in the Miami area
Remember the outdated VCR, the black-and-white TV and the Razr cellphone you have totally been planning to get rid of since George W. Bush was president?
Now it’s time to dispose of them safely.
Miami-Dade County is giving people several opportunities to properly throw away their old electronics and chemicals without harming the environment.
But before you start loading your vehicle with a bunch of useless junk, there are few things you should know.
Is it only for Miami-Dade residents?
The home chemical and electronics drop-off program is for Miami-Dade County residents only.
People must present a valid Florida driver’s license or identification card to verify residency in the county.
The events aren’t open for business or commercial use.
When and where can your take your electronics and chemicals?
Several locations will be open across Miami-Dade from mid-September to mid-January. The county hopes you can make it to a collection center one of the following Saturdays:
▪ Sept. 16: Sunset Kendall Trash and Recycling Center, 8000 SW 107th Ave.
▪ Sept. 23: North Dade Trash and Recycling Center, 21500 NW 47th Ave.
▪ Sept. 30: West Perrine Trash and Recycling Center, 16651 SW 107th Ave.
▪ Oct. 7: Golden Glades Trash and Recycling Center, 140 NW 160th St.
▪ Oct. 21: Sunset Kendall Trash and Recycling Center, 8000 SW 107th Ave.
▪ Nov. 11: North Dade Trash and Recycling Center, 21500 NW 47th Ave.
▪ Dec. 2: West Perrine Trash and Recycling Center, 16651 SW 107th Ave.
▪ Jan. 13, 2024: Golden Glades Trash and Recycling Center, 140 NW 160th St.
▪ Hours: Drop-off hours at the mobile event sites are from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
What items can you take?
The county is asking residents to only bring certain items to the collection centers.
Electronics:
▪ Computer monitors and televisions
▪ Personal computers
▪ Keyboards
▪ Hard drives and printers
▪ VCRs, audio and video equipment
▪ Communication equipment such as cellular telephones and hand-held radios
Chemicals:
▪ Oil-based paints
▪ Paint remover
▪ Pesticides
▪ Pool chemicals
▪ Concrete cleaner
▪ Degreaser
▪ Furniture stripper
▪ Roofing tar
▪ Gasoline
▪ Used motor oil
▪ Weed killers
▪ Batteries
▪ Polish and solvents
▪ Unbroken fluorescent light bulbs, including the older, long-tube fluorescents, modern compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), and other fluorescent types
▪ Latex paints that are still in liquid form
▪ Propane tanks (larger tanks such as those used for RV’s, forklifts, or fixed kitchen gas supply are not accepted)
▪ Empty oxygen tanks
▪ Driveway sealer
Items not accepted in this program include business-and government-generated waste, explosives, biohazardous waste, appliances and microwave ovens.
How to pack the chemicals
▪ Before heading out, pack all containers upright in a sturdy box and tighten lids and caps.
▪ Place leaking containers inside a larger container, along with absorbent material such as newspaper.
▪ Make sure to label all containers. If the original label has fallen off, re-label it with the contents or any information you have or label it “UNKNOWN CHEMICALS.”
Information
For more information, visit the Miami-Dade County Home Chemical webpage.
