Household hazardous wastes includes both hazardous wastes, and other wastes that are not accepted in curbside recycling nor in the garbage stream. Household hazardous wastes include:
Batteries
Rechargeable batteries, including lead acid batteries, nickel cadmium batteries, and lithium ion batteries, such as those used in cars, cell phones and power tools, are accepted for recycling at various locations in Abbotsford, usually free of charge.
Non-rechargeable batteries, such as alkaline batteries, can also be recycled at locations in Abbotsford but with less options available, and often for a fee. Please try to reduce purchasing and use of non-rechargeable batteries, and use rechargeable batteries instead. Recycling non-rechargeable batteries will likely cost you or the City money, whereas recycling rechargeable batteries will not cost you or the City any money.
Electronic Waste
Electronic waste, such as computer screens, TV monitors, circuit boards etc., should be separated from the general waste stream due to its heavy metal and PCB content. A computer monitor alone can contain four to five pounds of lead. Functional computer equipment may be donated to charities at several locations in Abbotsford.
Acceptable electronic waste such as computers, printers, and televisions, can be dropped off at locations in Abbotsford designated by the Electronics Association of BC.
Fluorescent Tubes and Compact Fluorescents
Fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lights contain mercury and should not be broken or disposed of in a landfill. Fluorescent tubes may be dropped off at locations in Abbotsford, including the Abbotsford Mission Recycling Depot which accepts fluorescent tubes from residential sources in quantities acceptable to the Recycling Depot staff. Compact fluorescent lights can also be taken to several locations in Abbotsford.
Household Paints, Pesticides, & Flammable Liquids
Household paints, pesticides & flammable liquids (including gasoline, camp fuels, solvents, paint thinners, and adhesives), can be dropped off free of charge at locations in Abbotsford that are designated as Product Care Paint Plus Facilities. Product Care is a not-for-profit, industry-sponsored association that manages environmental stewardship programs for paint, flammable liquids, pesticide and gasoline on behalf of its members across Canada. Free leftover paint may be available at some Product Care facilities, such as the Abbotsford Mission Recycling Depot.
Medications
Medications, which are generally left over medicines from a pharmacy, are a small but very important component of the waste stream affecting every household in British Columbia. Unwanted medications pose a significant health, safety and environmental hazard when improperly stored or disposed to the environment, including when disposed of in the garbage. Unwanted medications can be dropped off free of charge at most pharmacies in Abbotsford. Approximately 95% of pharmacies across BC are designated by the Post-Consumer Pharmaceutical Stewardship Association (PCPSA) to participate in the Medications Return Program. Please ask your pharmacist if they participate in the Program, or visit the PCPSA to determine which pharmacies in your area are participating pharmacies.
Other Hazardous Products
Some products may not be identifiable, or there may be no producer stewardship program in place yet. For suggestions for the safe handling, recycling, or disposal, of products not listed on this website, please call the BC Recycling Council's Hotline at 1-800-667-4321, or check the lists of disposal options in Abbotsford.
Paint Exchange
The Abbotsford Mission Recycling Depot operates a paint exchange to make good quality paint available for reuse. Residents can drop in or contact the Recycling Depot at 604-850-3551 to find out what is available. The paint exchange is constantly evolving with materials being brought in and picked up regularly. Recycling Depot staff will try to accommodate any requests received, and hopefully you’ll get lucky finding the colour and quantity you’re looking for!
Waste Oil, Oil Filters, and Oil Containers
Waste oil, oil filters, and oil containers, can be dropped off free of charge at locations in Abbotsford that are designated as Return Collection Facilities by the BC Used Oil Management Association (BCUOMA).
Used oil recycling has changed from a return-to-retailer program to an industry-led stewardship model. One of the benefits is that in addition to used oil, filters and oil containers are now also accepted for recycling. In order for these products to be accepted free of charge, the following guidelines apply:
- used oil collected from vehicles, lawnmowers, farm equipment, fishing vessels or other machinery should be placed it in its original container;
- used oil should not be contaminated with other substances, such as solvents, paint thinners, bleaches, antifreeze, gasoline, PCBs, household chemicals, insecticides, herbicides, pesticides, grease or water; and
- used oil filters and containers should be placed in a clean container.