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Recycling — Ready for a clean-out day? Here’s your chance to get rid of some old junk in your home. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

We’ve all been there: the garage full of half-used paint cans, that ancient TV collecting dust in the corner, a box of old batteries you know you shouldn’t toss in the trash.

Now that it’s cooling off, Fall is the perfect time to clear it all out—and luckily, Jefferson County is making it easy. Go ahead and mark your calendar for a good weekend clean-out day on Saturday, October 18 and read on for all the details.

Hazardous junk must be disposed of properly

Bring your household hazardous waste to dispose of on October 18. (Unsplash)

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, certain leftover household products are dangerously toxic, corrosive and flammable when they interact with other common household items. These products contain ingredients that require special care when you dispose of them.

For example, chemicals, oils and paint products should never be:

Poured down sinks or drains
Flushed down toilets
Tossed into storm drains or regular trash bins

Bring these household items:

Electronics recycling in Birmingham — Bring your old electronics including monitors, keyboards + speakers. (Matthew Niblett / Bham Now)

Here’s a handy list of items accepted at the event:

Automobile products

Batteries (vehicle + marine)
Cleaners, degreasers, filters, fluids, fuel additives
Gas, oil, rust removers
Tires (no rims, limit 8)

Electronics + Paper Shredding

TVs + small devices
Hard drives, cell phones, computers (data-storing devices like cell phones, computers, hard drives + smart watches will be destroyed securely for no extra charge)
On-site paper shredding available

garden starts — Many of the chemicals used for gardening and yard work can become hazardous when not applied, stored or disposed of properly. (Sharron Swain / Bham Now)

Recycling

Glass bottles (all colors)
Plastics #1 + #2 (including new acceptance of PET-1 and HDPE-2 Plastics)
Aluminum cans

Household products

Aerosols, various battery types (alkaline, lithium, rechargeable, etc.)
Cleaners, chemicals, light bulbs, first aid products

gray Nest thermostat displaying at 63 — You can even dispose of old thermometers + smoke alarms. (Dan LeFebvre on Unsplash)

Outdoor products

Bug repellents, lawn equipment, pool chemicals
Pesticides, fertilizers, roof cement, septic tank additives

Paint products

Adhesives, epoxy fillers, paints, solvents, varnishes, wallpaper cement

Miscellaneous

Fire extinguishers, gas cylinders, household cooking oil + grease
Large appliances, machinery
Mercury and mercury-containing items (like thermometers + thermostats)
Smoke alarms

A few tips before you load up your car

Rinse out + group together to allow for quicker sorting at the event.
Keep items in their original containers when possible.
Don’t mix chemicals together.
Secure items to avoid spills during transport.
Check expiration dates on household products—it’s often a good clue for what to toss.

Drop off day is Saturday, October 18

Whether you’re cleaning out the shed, tackling that junk drawer, or finally committing to recycling your old electronics, this is your chance to do it all—safely and for free!

When: Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 8–11:30AM
Where:
- Camp Bessemer: 3295 King St., Bessemer, AL 35023
- Camp Ketona: 121 County Shop Rd., Birmingham, AL 35217

By properly disposing of hazardous waste, Jefferson County residents help keep local waterways clean, reduce pollution and make our communities safer.

So now is the time—open that messy closet, peek under the sink and finally tackle those mystery cans in the garage. Your future self (and the planet) will thank you.

For more info and a full list of accepted items, visit jccal.org.

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