Discover Buncombe County’s hazardous waste collection events with our complete guide. Find schedules, locations, requirements, and helpful tips for safe disposal.
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Buncombe County Hazardous Waste Collection Events: Complete Guide for 2024

What You Need to Know About Hazardous Waste Collection in Buncombe County

Dealing with hazardous waste can be tricky—those old paint cans, batteries, and chemicals can’t just go in your regular trash. Luckily, Buncombe County runs several collection events throughout the year to help residents dispose of these materials safely. As your local waste management experts in Western North Carolina, we’ve put together this guide to help you navigate the county’s hazardous waste collection program. From event schedules to what you can bring and how to prepare, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know to clean out those potentially dangerous items from your home or business.

2024 Hazardous Waste Collection Event Schedule

Buncombe County typically hosts hazardous waste collection events quarterly, with additional special events during spring and fall cleaning seasons. These events are free for county residents and provide a safe, environmentally responsible way to dispose of materials that don’t belong in landfills.

The collection events usually run from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, though it’s wise to arrive early as lines can form quickly. For the most current schedule, you can check the Buncombe County Solid Waste website or call their office at (828) 250-5460.

Primary Collection Locations

Hazardous waste collection events typically rotate between these main locations:

Asheville: Buncombe County Landfill, 85 Panther Branch Road
Weaverville: Parking lot near Town Hall, 30 South Main Street
Black Mountain: Public Works Building, 101 Black Mountain Avenue

Some smaller, specialized collection events may be held at additional locations throughout the year. Always verify the exact address before heading out.

What Hazardous Materials Are Accepted

Understanding what qualifies as “hazardous waste” helps ensure you bring appropriate items to these events. Generally, if a product is labeled with words like “Warning,” “Danger,” “Poison,” or “Caution,” it likely qualifies as hazardous waste.

Common Accepted Items:

Household cleaners and chemicals
Paint (oil-based only—latex paint can be dried out and disposed of in regular trash)
Paint thinners and solvents
Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers
Automotive fluids (oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid)
Rechargeable batteries and car batteries
Fluorescent bulbs and compact fluorescent lights (CFLs)
Pool chemicals
Propane tanks (small camping size)
Mercury-containing items (thermostats, thermometers)

Items NOT Accepted at County Events:

Ammunition or explosives (contact local law enforcement)
Radioactive materials
Medical waste or medications (use pharmacy take-back programs)
Asbestos (requires special handling—contact a licensed contractor)
Commercial/business waste in large quantities
Regular household trash

How to Prepare for a Hazardous Waste Collection Event

A little preparation goes a long way toward making your hazardous waste disposal experience smooth and efficient:

Keep materials in their original containers whenever possible
Make sure containers are tightly sealed to prevent leaks
Transport items in the trunk or truck bed, not in the passenger compartment
Separate and group similar materials together
Stay in your vehicle at the collection site—staff will unload for you
Bring proof of Buncombe County residency (driver’s license or utility bill)
Arrive early to avoid long wait times

Year-Round Disposal Options

Can’t make it to a collection event? Some hazardous materials can be properly disposed of through other channels:

The Buncombe County Landfill accepts certain electronics, used motor oil, and antifreeze during regular business hours
Many auto parts stores will take used motor oil and old car batteries
Some hardware stores accept rechargeable batteries and CFL bulbs
The Asheville Police Department hosts medication take-back events and has drop boxes for prescription medications

Environmental Impact of Proper Hazardous Waste Disposal

Properly disposing of hazardous waste isn’t just about following rules—it makes a real difference for our community. When hazardous materials end up in landfills or, worse, get poured down drains, they can contaminate soil and water supplies, harming wildlife and potentially affecting drinking water. By participating in Buncombe County’s collection events, you’re helping protect the French Broad River watershed and preserving Western North Carolina’s natural beauty.

Need Help With Larger Cleanup Projects?

If you’re tackling a major cleanout that involves hazardous materials along with regular junk, All-In Dumpster Rentals can help. While our dumpsters can’t accept hazardous waste, we can help you manage the non-hazardous portion of your project. We’ll even provide guidance on separating materials and can schedule your dumpster rental around the county’s collection events to make your cleanup as efficient as possible.

Ready to get started with your cleanup project? Contact All-In Dumpster Rentals today for free advice and a free quote on the perfect dumpster for your needs. As your local, family-owned waste management partner, we’re here to help you keep Western North Carolina beautiful.