Old paint, gas, pesticides and pool chemicals go free at Public Works on Saturday, Nov. 7, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. City residents only; sign up by Wednesday, Nov. 4.
Alpharetta residents can get rid of old paint, gasoline, garden chemicals and other household hazardous waste for free on Saturday, Nov. 7. The city’s one-day collection runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Public Works Department, 1790 Hembree Road.
You have to register first, on the city’s online form. The deadline is Wednesday, Nov. 4. The number of places is limited, the city’s calendar listing for the event says.
The collection is for people who live inside the city limits. Businesses cannot take part. An Alpharetta mailing address does not prove you live in the city, the city’s registration sheet warns. Its GIS map will tell you.
What you can bring
The registration form asks how much of each item you are bringing. It lists:
| Item | Limit |
|---|---|
| Household fire extinguishers | 15 |
| 16-ounce propane cylinders | Nothing larger |
| Spray paint cans | None stated |
| Latex paint, in original cans | 20 gallons |
| Oil-based paint, stains and varnishes | 20 gallons |
| Gasoline, kerosene, lighters, brake and transmission fluid | 15 gallons |
| Solvents, thinners and mineral spirits | None stated |
| Pesticides, herbicides and garden chemicals | None stated |
| Fertilizer | None stated |
| Pool and spa chemicals | None stated |
| Items with mercury | None stated |
| Household cleaning products | None stated |
Fire extinguishers and small propane cylinders are new to the list this time, the city says.
The city’s standing paint and hazardous waste page says latex paint is normally handled by a separate year-round recycling program at Public Works. This collection’s registration form does list it, up to 20 gallons.
What not to bring
- car and truck batteries
- electronics
- propane tanks or cylinders larger than 16 ounces
- medicines and prescription drugs
How it works on the day
- Bring the confirmation email you get after registering.
- Keep everything in its original container, with lids tight, and do not let items mix.
- Stay in your vehicle. Technicians unload it for you.
- No smoking while carrying the waste or at the site.
You can drop off items for a neighbor, the city says, as long as you bring their confirmation email too. Items are accepted only between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., “with no exceptions.”
What it means for you
If the garage is full of half-empty paint cans and old weed killer, this is the free way to clear it. These items should not go in your roll cart. The city says they can harm sanitation workers and the environment.
- Register by Wednesday, Nov. 4 on the city’s form.
- Drop off Saturday, Nov. 7, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 1790 Hembree Road.
- Questions: Public Works, 678-297-6200.
Clean glass bottles and jars can go any day in the glass drop-off in the Public Works front parking lot. Our trash and recycling guide covers pickup days, bulk pickup and what goes in each cart.
Have your say