Household Hazardous Waste Program

Household Hazardous Waste Program

What is Household Hazardous Waste?

Household hazardous waste (HHW) is leftover household products that are flammable, corrosive, reactive or poisonous. It also includes some liquid products that should not be disposed of in the garbage or down the drain.

Important Notice

The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) HHW Program DOES NOT accept materials collected through B.C.'s Provincial HHW recycling programs. These programs collect only recyclable HHW materials, including:

  • Paints and stains 
  • Flammable liquids and gasoline
  • Pesticides (labelled with a skull and crossbones and "domestic")
  • Used oil and antifreeze
  • Batteries 
  • Medications

Take these materials to participating locations at no additional charge. Find out where. 

Schedule an HHW Drop-Off

HHW drop-offs are by appointment only.

Reach out to us at hhw [at] rdn.bc.ca or call 250-390-5427. Remember to include the name of the product(s) you wish to dispose of and attach a photo for quick and easy processing.

HHW is not accepted without an appointment as it requires special handling by a qualified technician. Unscheduled loads will be rejected.

Program Fees and Surcharges

Category 0 - 25 kg Over 25 kg
HHW $10 (flat rate) $0.30/kg
Surcharge for Special HHW* $20  
Surcharge per pressurized cylinder, non-refillable $10  
Surcharge per pressurized cylinder, refillable $50  
Surcharge for loads containing unknown items $5  

*Special HHW includes highly toxic materials that require special handling and disposal.