Deschutes County Residents: Convenient Options for Safe Hazardous Waste Disposal
Spring cleaning often uncovers forgotten items, and many households accumulate potentially hazardous waste. Deschutes County is making it easier than ever for residents to dispose of these materials safely, protecting both the environment and public health.
Free Collection Events Across the County
Deschutes County Solid Waste is hosting a series of one-day collection events in April, offering a convenient alternative to the Knott Landfill’s regular Friday and Saturday hazardous waste acceptance. These free events will be held at the following locations:
- Redmond: Negus Transfer Station, 2400 NE Maple Ave. – Saturday, April 4, 9 a.m. To 1 p.m.
- Sisters: Sisters Recycling Center, 328 Sisters Park Drive – Saturday, April 11, 9 a.m. To 1 p.m.
- La Pine: South County Services Center parking lot, 51340 U.S. 97 – Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m. To 1 p.m.
“Improper disposal of household hazardous waste can harm the environment and community health by allowing toxic chemicals to leak into the soil and groundwater,” explains Greg Brady, Deschutes County Hazardous Waste Supervisor. These events aim to reduce the amount of hazardous waste reaching the county landfill.
What Can You Drop Off?
A wide range of household hazardous waste items will be accepted at these events, including:
- Oil and latex paints and stains
- Thinners, solvents, fuels
- Oil-soaked rags and absorbents
- Pool and spa chemicals
- Garden products (herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers)
- Vehicle fluids (coolants, lubricants, brake fluid, transmission fluid)
- BBQ grill size propane tanks and camp stove cylinders
- Aerosols (paints, garden sprays, cleaners)
- Mercury and Mercury-containing items (thermometers, thermostats)
- Fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent bulbs
- Rechargeable batteries
- Household cleaners
What’s Not Accepted?
To ensure the safety and efficiency of the collection events, certain items will not be accepted. These include:
- Business-generated hazardous waste
- Medical waste
- Explosives, fireworks, ammunition
- Compressed gas cylinders (propane tanks and cylinders are accepted)
- Containers larger than 5 gallons
Year-Round Disposal Options
For those who can’t make it to the one-day events, the Knott Landfill HHW Facility accepts household hazardous waste free of charge every Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. To 3 p.m. At 61050 SE 27th St. In Bend.
More information about hazardous waste materials can be found on the Deschutes County Solid Waste Department website.
Stay Informed: Podcast and Contact Information
Deschutes County residents can learn more about the HHW collection program by listening to episode 51 of the Inside Deschutes County Podcast, available on various podcast platforms or at deschutes.org/podcast.
Questions about the collection events? Contact the Department of Solid Waste at (541) 317-3163.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is considered household hazardous waste?
A: Items that can pose a risk to human health or the environment due to their chemical composition, such as paints, solvents, and batteries.
Q: Can I drop off hazardous waste at any Deschutes County transfer station?
A: No, only the Knott Landfill and the special collection events accept household hazardous waste.
Q: What if I have a large quantity of hazardous waste?
A: Containers larger than 5 gallons are not accepted. Contact the Department of Solid Waste for guidance.
Q: Is there a cost to dispose of hazardous waste?
A: No, disposal is free for Deschutes County residents at the Knott Landfill and the collection events.
Pro Tip: Properly label all containers and secure lids to prevent leaks during transport.
Learn more about responsible waste management practices and help keep Deschutes County clean, and healthy. Share this information with your neighbors and encourage them to participate in these important events!
