Hazardous Waste Disposal in Charleston

Disposing of hazardous waste properly is crucial to protect the environment and public health. In Charleston, South Carolina, you can follow these steps to dispose of hazardous waste:

1. Identify the Hazardous Waste You Have: Determine what materials you have that are considered hazardous and segregate them out as best possible. This can include items like chemicals, batteries, pesticides, paints, fluorescent bulbs, electronics, and more.

2. Contact ADCO Environmental Services: Reach out to ADCO or contact them via their website to find information about hazardous waste disposal programs and facilities in the area. We can provide guidance on where and how to dispose of different types of hazardous waste. Homeowners are encouraged to contact their local municipality about where to drop hazardous wastes off. ADCO does NOT service residential customers at this time.

3. For Homeowners, use Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events: Charleston County, SC may organize special collection events for household hazardous waste. Check their schedule for upcoming events where you can drop off your hazardous materials. These are free events usually that are paid for by you the taxpayers so we encourage you to use this type of event which you are paying for already in your taxes.

4. Check for Permanent Collection Facilities: Some communities have permanent hazardous waste collection facilities reserved for homeowners looking to dispose of their household hazardous waste where they can drop off materials year-round. 

5. Follow Guidelines for Disposal: When disposing of hazardous waste, follow all guidelines provided by the collection facility or event. This may include packaging materials properly, labeling containers, and transporting them safely to the disposal site.

6. Do Not Dispose of Hazardous or Radioactive Waste in Regular Trash: It’s important not to dispose of hazardous waste in regular trash bins or down drains, as this can pose serious environmental and public health risks. Some common items thrown in the regular garbage illegally are: Smoke detectors which are radioactive, Self Luminous exit signs which are also radioactive, Automotive batteries which contain corrosive battery acid or worse Lithium Ion batteries which are highly flammable, and many types of E-wastes which contain a variety of hazards such as Mercury and other RCRA listed metals.

7. Consider Recycling or Reusing: Whenever possible, consider recycling or reusing hazardous materials. Some items like electronics and batteries can often be recycled, reducing the amount of waste that needs disposal. ADCO specializes in offering recycling options for E-waste from non-residential waste generators.

8. Professional Disposal Services: For businesses or government institutions such as colleges and universities with large quantities of hazardous waste, consider hiring professional disposal services such as those offered by ADCO Environmental Services. ADCO specializes in the safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials.

By following these steps and utilizing the resources provided by Charleston County as well as those offered by ADCO, you can ensure that your hazardous waste is disposed of safely and responsibly.