Household Hazardous Waste
Household hazardous waste includes products that can harm people, pets, or the environment through skin contact, breathing fumes, or accidental ingestion. These materials are often found in kitchens, basements, garages, shops, and greenhouses.
Common examples
- Oil-based paint, thinner, stains, and solvents
- Adhesives, furniture stripper, turpentine, and lye
- Cleaners, ammonia, and fuel/carburetor cleaner
- Pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, poisons, and fertilizers
- Tree sprays and flea powder
Monthly collection event
Flathead County Solid Waste offers a free Household Hazardous Waste Collection on the third Saturday of each month. An appointment is required.
Household Hazardous Waste Sign-Up Form
Paint and Solvents
Latex Paint
Hardened latex paint can be placed in regular trash. If the paint is still liquid, add cat litter, sand, or sawdust to absorb the moisture before throwing it away.
Oil-Based Paint and Solvents
Oil-based paint, thinner, stains, solvents, adhesives, and similar materials should be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection event.
Automotive Waste
Used Motor Oil and Antifreeze
The landfill accepts used motor oil and antifreeze in plastic containers no larger than 5 gallons.
You may bring these materials directly to the landfill during operating hours. There is no charge for household disposal.
Tires
The landfill accepts four passenger tires per year per household at no charge.
- Tires without rims: $3.50 each
- Tires with rims: $4.75 each
If you have a large quantity of tires or large tractor tires, call Enviro Tire at 406-755-7716.
Automotive Batteries
Automotive batteries are accepted at the landfill. Ask landfill staff where to place batteries when you arrive.
Junk Vehicles
The Junk Vehicle Program can remove qualifying junk vehicles within Flathead County at no cost.
Boats, RVs, and campers are not eligible for this program.
Junk Vehicle Release Form
Appliances, Electronics, and Bulbs
Household Appliances
Household appliances* such as stoves, washers, dryers, and water heaters are accepted at the landfill.
Appliances are placed in a separate area in the metals pile. Ask landfill staff where to unload when you arrive.
* Refrigerators have their own pile. Doors need to be removed.
Computers and Televisions
Computers and televisions are placed in regular trash. Fees may apply depending on the item and current landfill rates.
View Current Gate Rates
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
Compact fluorescent bulbs may be recycled through Home Depot or placed in regular trash.
Fluorescent Tubes
Fluorescent tubes from residential use may be placed in regular trash.
Fluorescent tubes from commercial use or commercial buildings are not accepted at the landfill.
Household Recycling
Flathead County Solid Waste offers recycling for household materials only. Business recycling is not allowed at county container sites or the landfill.
Accepted Household Recycling
- Cardboard
- Mixed paper
- Aluminum cans
Business Recycling
Businesses should take recycling to a commercial recycling provider, such as Valley Recycling or Pacific Recycling.
Valley Recycling Opens in a new tab.
Commercial Hazardous Waste
Annual Commercial Collection Event
A Commercial Hazardous Waste Collection Event is held at the landfill each May. Pre-registration is required.
Call the Solid Waste office at 406-758-5910 to request contact information for the event provider and complete registration.
Medical and Pharmaceutical Waste
Prescription Medication
Pill receptacles are available at select law enforcement locations. These receptacles accept prescription medication in pill form only.
- Flathead County Sheriff’s Office
- Columbia Falls Police Station
- Whitefish Police Station
No sharps or liquids are accepted in pill receptacles.
Medical Waste
For medical waste that is not pills or medication, contact a medical waste disposal provider for guidance.