Frequently Asked Questions

Hazardous household wastes are those wastes produced in our households that are hazardous in nature but are not regulated as hazardous waste, under federal and state laws. Such consumer waste products, if carelessly managed can, and frequently do, create environmental and public health hazards. Hazardous household wastes should be disposed of properly by licensed professional haulers.

Hazardous household waste includes:

• Drain cleaner
• Metal polish
• Dry cleaning fluid
• Arts and crafts supplies
• Oven cleaner
• Photo chemicals
• Floor cleaners
• Fluorescent bulbs
• Fire starters
• Transmission fluid
• Gasoline
• Kerosene
• Waxes and polishes
• Brake fluid
• Rust preventatives
• Wood preservatives
• Oil and Latex-based paint
• Lead-based paint
• Degreasers
• Paint thinner
• Herbicides
• Rodent killers
• Muriatic acid
• Cesspool cleaners
• Fertilizers
• Insert sprays
• Pool Chemicals
• No-pest strips
• Solvents
• Sealants
• Wood strippers
• Pesticides

To protect our groundwater from contamination by hazardous wastes. When hazardous wastes are poured down the drain, dumped outside, or thrown in the trash, they eventually make their way into our water and air supply.

Hazardous materials that cannot be used up should be disposed of properly using licensed professional haulers. They have the facilities to incinerate, neutralize, store, or recycle these items.

Acceptable Materials

All Groton Residents, ID Required - Waste from residential sources only. NO COMMERCIAL USERS.

Preparation at home

• Pack carefully in original containers only, sealed and labeled, and placed in a cardboard carton.
• Containers will not be returned to you.
• Do not mix materials.
• Limits
  • Liquid - 10 total gallons
  • (5 gal. container or less)
  • Solid - 20 total pounds
• Place carefully in the car, to prevent tipping.
• Drive carefully. Do Not Smoke while handling and transporting material.
• Leave children and pets at home.

At collection Site:

• Remain in your car.
• Follow the directions of the on-site official.

Materials "not" acceptable:

• Asbestos: Call SCRRRA at 860-381-5558 for the most current disposal information.
• Propane Tanks: Return to your gas company or where the tank was purchased.
• Alkaline Batteries: Throw out with household trash.
• Explosives, Fireworks, Ammunition: Contact your police or fire department for proper disposal.
• Marine Flares: DEP Marine Headquarters. Call 434-8638 for an appointment.
• Water Reactive Material: Chemicals such as peroxides and metallic sodium. Contact your local Fire Marshal for proper disposal.
• Radioactive Material: Items such as smoke detectors should be returned to the manufacturer.
• PCBs: Contact SCRRRA at 860-381-5558 for the proper method of disposal.
• Medications: Usually can be disposed of with trash. Contact the CT Department of Public Health at 860-509-7268 if in doubt.
• Unknown Materials: Contact SCRRRA at 860-381-5558.
• Infectious or Biologically Active Materials: Contact the Health Department at 860-448-4882

The following items are accepted at the Groton Transfer Station on Flanders Road with proof of Groton residency:

• Auto batteries
• Antifreeze
• Leaves
• Electronics
• Fluorescent Light Bulbs
• Used motor oil
• Used oil filters
• Scrap Metal
• Pallets

NO COMMERCIAL USERS