Where to Take Paint, Batteries, and E-Waste in Montgomery
Updated November 2026
Quick Answer
Take paint, batteries, and electronics to Montgomery's 3 drop-off locations. Motor oil: free at auto parts stores. Electronics: free at Best Buy.
Paint, batteries, electronics, and motor oil cannot go in regular trash in Montgomery. The city has 3 drop-off locations and runs twice per year collection events. Motor oil is free to drop off at any auto parts store. Electronics are free at Best Buy.
Drop-Off Locations
3
in Montgomery area
HHW Collection Events
Twice per year
Permanent Facility
No
Events only — check schedule
Disposal Guide by Category
Take to HHW (Household Hazardous Waste) collection event or permanent facility. Latex paint can be dried out and placed in trash in most areas.
Motor oil and antifreeze: free drop-off at auto parts stores (AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advance). Gasoline and other fuels: HHW collection only. Never pour down storm drains.
Lithium and rechargeable: Call2Recycle drop-offs at Home Depot, Lowe's, Best Buy, Staples. Car batteries: auto parts stores or scrap yards (often paid). Tape terminals of all batteries before transport to prevent fires.
Best Buy accepts most electronics for free recycling (TVs up to 3 per household per day). Staples accepts computers and tablets. Many municipalities hold e-waste events. Wipe personal data first.
HHW collection only. Keep in original containers. Never mix chemicals. Empty containers (triple-rinsed) can go in trash in most areas.
Small quantities of household cleaners can be used up or poured down the drain with running water. Concentrated or large amounts: HHW collection. Never mix bleach with ammonia.
Fluorescent tubes and CFLs: Home Depot and Lowe's accept for free. Thermometers and thermostats: HHW or local health department. If a CFL breaks, ventilate the room and follow EPA cleanup guidelines.
Small propane tanks: many retailers accept (Blue Rhino exchange). Empty 1lb camping tanks: some curbside programs accept if punctured. Fire extinguishers: HHW or fire department. Never put pressurized containers in compacting garbage trucks.
Sharps: use FDA-cleared sharps container, then drop at pharmacy, hospital, or mail-back program. Medications: DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, pharmacy drop-offs (Walgreens, CVS), or FDA flush list for specific dangerous meds. Never flush most medications.
Solvent-based products: HHW collection. Water-based adhesives (white glue, school glue): dry out and place in trash. Latex caulk: dry out and trash. Check product label for 'hazardous' warnings.
Where to Take Common Items
| Item | Where to Take It |
|---|---|
| Motor oil | AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advance Auto Parts (free) |
| Car batteries | Auto parts stores, scrap yards |
| Rechargeable batteries | Home Depot, Lowe's, Best Buy, Staples |
| Electronics / e-waste | Best Buy (free), Staples, municipal events |
| Fluorescent bulbs / CFLs | Home Depot, Lowe's (free) |
| Latex paint | Dry out with kitty litter, then trash |
| Oil-based paint | HHW collection events only |
| Medications | Pharmacy drop-off, DEA Take-Back events |
| Needles / sharps | Pharmacy, hospital, mail-back programs |
| Propane tanks (small) | Blue Rhino exchange locations |
Safety
- Never mix chemicals — bleach + ammonia creates toxic gas.
- Tape battery terminals before transport to prevent short circuits and fires.
- Keep hazardous items in original containers when possible.
- Never pour chemicals, paint, or oil down drains or storm drains.
Disposal guidelines are based on general best practices and published municipal data. Drop-off locations, hours, and accepted items vary. Call 311 to confirm details for Montgomery. This page is for informational purposes only.