Sponsored

Recycling — Safely dispose of unused items like cords, vapes, appliances + more. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

If your garage, junk drawer or utility closet has a few things you’ve been meaning to get rid of—but aren’t sure how to safely dispose of—this is your sign.

On Saturday, Oct. 17, Jefferson County is hosting its biannual Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off + Shredding event, giving residents a free way to responsibly get rid of everything from old paint and gasoline to electronics, tires and more.

The event takes place from 8AM—11:30AM at two locations around Jefferson County, and you can drop off accepted items that can’t be brought to a landfill.

What is Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Day?

2026 paint drop off Hazardous Waste Day returns Sat. Oct. 17—see the surprising things you can drop off — Dispose of items lying around your home like paint cans, gasoline + more. (Jeff Co)

This free event helps Jefferson County residents safely dispose of household items that shouldn’t go in your regular trash or recycling bin.

There are two drop-off locations:

Camp Bessemer: 3295 King St, Bessemer, AL 35023
Camp Ketona: 121 County Shop Rd, Birmingham, AL 35217

And yes, there’s a little bit of everything on the accepted-items list, including a few things that may surprise you. Read on for what you can and can’t bring.

What can you bring to Jefferson County’s Hazardous Waste Day?

1. Old paint cans ✅

Have a collection of paint cans taking up valuable garage real estate? If your DIY project ended years ago but the supplies are still hanging around, this is a good chance to clear them out.

The event accepts:

paint
stains
varnishes
sealants
solvents
thinners
turpentine
resins
epoxy fillers

2. Old gasoline + other automotive fluids ✅

2026 hazardous waste drop off edited Hazardous Waste Day returns Sat. Oct. 17—see the surprising things you can drop off — (Jeff Co)

That container of gas you’re not sure what to do with? Jefferson County has a safer option.

Residents can drop off:

gas
oil
fuel additives
degreasers
filters
rust removers
+ other automotive fluids

3. Tires with rims ❌

If you have old tires sitting around that no longer have a purpose, you can bring them to the event—as long as they don’t have rims!

4. Cords + electronics ✅

black and white running shoes — (Brett Jordan / Unsplash)

Time to dump out those boxes in your garage filled with mystery cords, old cameras and electronics you haven’t touched in years.

Jefferson County accepts:

TVs
cable boxes
cameras
computers
laptops
monitors
printers
cords
ink toner
small appliances
e-cigarettes + vapes

5. Kitchen + household appliances ✅

Items like coffee makers, microwaves, toasters, vacuums, hair dryers and irons can all be dropped off.

Big appliances like refrigerators + water heaters are welcome too.

6. On-site paper shredding ✅ (with a few rules)

a pile of white shredded paper sitting on top of a table — (Mahen Rin / Unsplash)

In addition to electronics recycling, the event also includes on-site paper shredding. Perfect for old tax documents, statements and paperwork you don’t want falling into the wrong hands.