Household hazardous waste and e-recycling collection scheduled for Saturday May 16 2026 with free disposal services for residents

Monroe County, New York – Residents across the community are being urged to prepare for one of the year’s most practical—and environmentally important—events, as the annual Household Hazardous Waste collection and e-recycling day returns on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Set to take place at the Perinton Highway Garage, located at 100 Cobb’s Lane, the event will run from 7:45 a.m. until noon, offering a limited window for households to safely dispose of materials that cannot simply be tossed in the trash. For many, it’s a rare chance to clear out basements, garages, and storage areas of items that quietly accumulate over time—often without a safe way to discard them.

This year’s collection follows a familiar structure but comes with an important reminder: appointments are required for hazardous waste drop-offs. Without one, residents will not be able to participate in that portion of the event. However, for those bringing only electronics or paper documents for shredding, no appointment is needed, making those services more accessible and flexible.

Behind the scenes, the effort is a coordinated one. The event is organized in partnership with the Monroe County Department of Environmental Services, alongside the towns of Pittsford and Perinton and the villages of East Rochester, Fairport, and Pittsford. Together, these municipalities are working to ensure that potentially dangerous household materials are handled responsibly rather than ending up in landfills or waterways.

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For hazardous waste, each scheduled appointment allows residents to bring up to 30 gallons of accepted materials at no cost. That includes a wide range of common but often overlooked substances—oil-based and latex paints, wood stains, aerosol cans, automotive fluids such as antifreeze and transmission fluid, as well as pesticides, fertilizers, and flammable liquids like gasoline or solvents. Even items like rechargeable batteries, mercury-containing devices, and properly packaged sharps are accepted.

Still, not everything qualifies. Organizers are clear about what should be left at home. Used motor oil and vehicle batteries must be taken to service stations or retailers. Propane tanks are restricted to permanent hazardous waste facilities only. Everyday alkaline batteries, empty containers, and dried-out paint cans should be handled through regular trash or recycling systems. The distinction matters, not just for logistics but for safety.

The appointment system, officials say, is designed to keep things running smoothly and reduce long wait times. Residents of Pittsford and East Rochester can secure a spot either by phone or through the county’s online system. The deadline to book is Friday, May 15, though demand is expected to be high. In previous years, available slots have filled quickly, prompting organizers to encourage early registration. There is also a note of cautious optimism—if cancellations occur, additional appointments may open up.

Meanwhile, electronics recycling remains one of the event’s most popular features. From outdated computers and printers to televisions, cell phones, and even GPS devices, the list of accepted items is extensive. Cables, wiring, and audio-visual equipment can also be dropped off, offering a convenient solution for households burdened with obsolete tech.

However, residents should take care to separate what is accepted from what is not. Small household appliances—such as toasters, coffee makers, and hair dryers—are excluded, as are items containing freon like air conditioners and humidifiers. Larger appliances, including refrigerators and ovens, will also not be accepted, nor will smoke or carbon monoxide detectors.

Another key component of the day is certified document shredding, available free of charge to residents. With a limit of four to five boxes per household, the service is intended for personal use and does not require any prior booking. Importantly, participants do not need to remove staples or paper clips, simplifying the process for those looking to securely dispose of sensitive paperwork.

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For those who cannot attend on May 16, officials emphasize that the opportunity is not lost. Monroe County provides year-round options for hazardous waste disposal, electronics recycling, and document shredding through its broader environmental services program. Details on alternative dates and services can be found on the county’s website.

As the event approaches, the message is straightforward: plan ahead, know what you’re bringing, and, if necessary, secure an appointment early. What might seem like a routine drop-off day is, in reality, a crucial piece of a much larger effort—one that protects public health, preserves the environment, and helps communities manage waste in a smarter, safer way.