Additional Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Information

Batteries

Non-rechargeable household batteries (AAA, A, C, etc.) can be disposed of in your household trash. Due to the metals they contain, rechargeable and button batteries should be brought to Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off (free) or a Riverside Recycling Hazardous Waste event (fee).

Click here for more information on battery disposal.

Electronic Waste

Also referred to as e-waste this term is applied to consumer electronic equipment that is no longer wanted. E-waste can include computers, printers, televisions, VCRs, cell phones, fax machines, stereos, and electronic games. Electronics may contain lead, copper, and other heavy metals or potentially toxic substances.

Disposal Options

View the Electronic Waste Disposal resource directory category.

Mercury Containing Devices

Fluorescent, HID, sodium or neon bulbs, thermostats and old thermometers all contain mercury or mercury vapor that is released into the environment when they are broken.

Disposal Options

CLFs (squiggly bulbs): Return to any store you can purchase them.

Fluorescent tubes, HID, sodium or neon bulbs, mercury containing items:

• Annual City of Westbrook collection (Held in September)
• View the Mercury Containing Devices Disposal resource directory category for more options

Paint

PaintCare

Maine is one of several states serviced by the PaintCare program. PaintCare is a non-profit organization whose mission is to collect residential and commercially used oil and latex paint and similar products so that those materials be repurposed to their highest and best use. Depending on the product that may mean reuse as is, reformulation into new paint, used as fuel (oil based products), added to non-paint materials or disposed of as waste. PaintCare operates approximately 2400 drop off sites. For a list of nearby drop off site, visit PaintCare - Drop Off Paint. Drop off locations near Westbrook include: 

• Sherwin Williams (100 Larrabee Road)
• Riverside Recycling (Portland)

Other locations are available, however, please note that though it is listed on the PaintCare website, Sportsman's Hardware does not participate in the program. Aerosol paint is not accepted in this program.

Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off

Oil based paint and similar products can be dropped off at the annual Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off. Accepted materials include but are not limited to:

• Oil based paints, stains, thinners and strippers
• Solvents and varnishes
• Aerosol paint
• Resin

Latex paint is not accepted at this event. Do not mix products.

Curbside Collection

Latex paint that has been completely dried out and is solid can be disposed of in your curbside trash bin. Small amount of paint can be dried out by simply leaving the lid off the container.  If you have a larger amount of latex paint, we suggest using PaintCare. If you would prefer to dispose of it curbside, add kitty litter to the container until the product is solid and place it in your curbside trash bin.

• Never place paint or other chemicals in your recycle bins.
• Never place oil based paints in your curbside trash bin as they can cause a fire in your bin or the collection truck.

For more information, please call 207-591-8135 or email recycling@westbrook.me.us.