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Texas disposal guide
- Paint (Latex & Oil-Based): Check with your city's household hazardous waste collection events.
- Motor Oil & Automotive Fluids: Used oil accepted at most auto parts retailers and county collection events.
- Tires: Use a registered scrap-tire collection option and confirm fees and acceptance with the facility; registration does not guarantee free service.
- Propane Tanks & Cylinders: The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality lists propane as household hazardous waste and directs residents to local HHW drop-off facilities and collection events rather than the regular trash. Harris County's HHW facility, for example, accepts small and BBQ-sized propane cylinders free from residents (household items only, no business waste). For 20 lb grill tanks, the simplest option is a tank-exchange cage at a hardware or grocery store, or ask a propane dealer to take the tank back. Never put any propane cylinder in curbside trash or recycling — residual gas can ignite in collection trucks and at sorting facilities. Check TCEQ's HHW program contacts page to find the collection program nearest you.
- Aerosol Cans: Texas does not require households to treat leftover aerosols as hazardous waste. TCEQ notes that household-generated hazardous products can often go in regular trash, though it encourages safer disposal. The better option is your city or county household hazardous waste drop-off or collection event; TCEQ keeps a list of local programs. Empty cans (nothing left to spray) are steel or aluminum scrap, but check whether your city's curbside recycling accepts them. Never puncture, crush, or burn a can that still holds pressure.
- Pesticides & Herbicides: Check with your county's environmental services for collection events.
- Old Gasoline & Fuel: Check with your city's environmental services for hazardous waste drop-off.
- Antifreeze & Coolant: Texas has no statewide antifreeze collection mandate, so disposal runs through local programs. Take used coolant to your city or county household hazardous waste collection event or facility — most Texas metro areas (Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio) run them for residents. Some auto parts stores and repair shops also accept used antifreeze; call ahead to confirm. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) sets the rules for managing household hazardous waste and lists recycling program guidance on its site. Never pour antifreeze on the ground or into storm drains — it's illegal dumping in Texas.
- Oil Filters: Oil filters accepted at most auto parts stores and certified recycling centers.
- Christmas Trees: Check with your city — many offer free tree recycling drop-off locations.
- Car Batteries (Lead-Acid): All auto parts stores and many service stations accept used car batteries.
- Concrete, Brick & Asphalt: Many concrete batch plants accept old concrete for recycling.
Disposal guides
- How to dispose of Paint (Latex & Oil-Based)
- How to dispose of Batteries
- How to dispose of Mattress
- How to dispose of Refrigerator / Freezer
- How to dispose of Microwave
- How to dispose of Electronics (TVs, Computers, Phones)
- How to dispose of Motor Oil & Automotive Fluids
- How to dispose of Light Bulbs
- How to dispose of Tires
- How to dispose of Clothing & Textiles
- How to dispose of Medications & Prescriptions
- How to dispose of Cooking Oil & Grease
- How to dispose of Furniture
- How to dispose of Smoke Detectors
- How to dispose of Propane Tanks & Cylinders
- How to dispose of Small Appliances (Toaster, Blender, etc.)
- How to dispose of Aerosol Cans
- How to dispose of Pesticides & Herbicides
- How to dispose of Pool Chemicals
- How to dispose of Fire Extinguishers
- How to dispose of Printer Cartridges & Toner
- How to dispose of Old Gasoline & Fuel
- How to dispose of Styrofoam (Polystyrene)
- How to dispose of Plastic Bags & Film
- How to dispose of Antifreeze & Coolant
- How to dispose of Carpet & Rugs
- How to dispose of Oil Filters
- How to dispose of Glass (Bottles, Jars & Broken)
- How to dispose of Diapers
- How to dispose of Christmas Trees
- How to dispose of Paint Thinner & Solvents
- How to dispose of CRT TVs & Monitors
- How to dispose of Car Batteries (Lead-Acid)
- How to dispose of Yard Waste (Leaves, Branches, Grass)
- How to dispose of Concrete, Brick & Asphalt
- How to dispose of Needles & Sharps
- How to dispose of Appliance Cords & Power Cables
- How to dispose of Smoke Alarm Batteries
- How to dispose of Latex & Nitrile Gloves
- How to dispose of Expired Food & Leftovers
- How to dispose of Cooking Grease Traps & Grease
- How to dispose of Water Filters (Brita, PUR, etc.)
- How to dispose of Humidifier & Dehumidifier Filters
- How to dispose of Swimming Pool Covers