A Guide to Non-Hazardous vs. Hazardous Waste for Augusta Homeowners

Paint • Batteries • Chemicals • Medical Waste • Richmond County HHW

The Critical Distinction Every Homeowner Must Know

100+

Items classified as HHW

HHW collection sites (Richmond Co.)

Waste = 33% of toxicity

1992

GA Hazardous Waste Management Act

🏠 Furniture, old appliances, and construction debris are non-hazardous.

Paint cans, batteries, pesticides, and medical waste are household hazardous waste (HHW)—and they cannot be mixed with regular trash or general junk removal. Augusta homeowners who understand this distinction protect sanitation workers, avoid environmental contamination, and comply with Richmond County regulations. This guide clearly defines and categorizes common household and construction items, and directs you to proper local disposal facilities.

Non-Hazardous vs. Hazardous: Quick Reference

Non-Hazardous

Can go in regular trash or junk removal.

✅ Furniture, mattresses
✅ Appliances (freon-free)
✅ Construction debris
✅ Yard waste
✅ Electronics? No—e-waste is hazardous

♻️ Standard disposal

Hazardous (HHW)

NEVER in trash, dumpsters, or drains.

❌ Paint, stains, solvents
❌ Batteries (all types)
❌ Pesticides, herbicides
❌ Medical waste
❌ Electronics, CFL bulbs

⚠️ HHW facility only

Common Hazardous Waste Categories

Paint & Solvents

• Oil-based paints, stains, varnishes
• Paint thinners, strippers, removers
• Aerosol cans (non-empty)

✅ Latex paint: Dry with kitty litter → trash

Batteries

• Lithium-ion (laptops, tools, vapes)
• Rechargeable (Ni-Cd, Ni-MH)
• Button cell (watches, hearing aids)
• Lead-acid (vehicles)

⚠️ Tape terminals. Never trash.

Chemicals

• Pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers
• Pool & spa chemicals
• Mercury thermometers/thermostats
• Motor oil, antifreeze

🧪 Never mix products.

Medical Waste

• Sharps (needles, lancets)
• Expired medications
• Blood-soaked bandages

🏥 Sharps: Approved containers only

E-waste is hazardous. Computers, monitors, and televisions are banned from Georgia landfills. Must be recycled through certified processors.

📍 Augusta-Richmond County HHW Disposal

♻️ Augusta HHW Collection Center

📍 475 Bill Dr, Augusta, GA 30906

🕒 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month • 9am – 1pm

Accepts: Paint, batteries, electronics, chemicals, motor oil, tires, CFLs

Free for Richmond County residents. Proof of residency required (driver's license + tax bill).

📞 (706) 821-2415

♻️ Richmond County Landfill

📍 3665 Deans Bridge Rd, Hephzibah, GA 30815

🕒 Mon-Fri 8am-4pm • Sat 8am-12pm

Accepts: HHW by appointment only. Call to schedule.

Also: Scrap metal, appliances, yard waste, C&D debris.

📞 (706) 592-4342

Limited dates: Augusta's HHW Center is only open six days per month. Plan ahead. Call (706) 821-2415 for current schedule and appointment requirements.

🔄 Alternative Disposal Options

🛍️ Retail Take-Back

Batteries: Lowe's, Home Depot, Staples (Call2Recycle)

CFL bulbs: Ace Hardware, Batteries Plus

Electronics: Best Buy (3 items/day, TV fee)

🔋 Automotive

Motor oil & filters: Advance Auto, AutoZone, O'Reilly (5 gal/day)

Car batteries: Core deposit refund at purchase

Tires: Retailer disposal fee ($2-5 each)

💊 Medical Waste

Sharps: Augusta Health Department (call 706-667-4265)

Medications: CVS, Walgreens, Walmart pharmacies (drop boxes)

✅ Quick Identification Checklist

🟢 NON-HAZARDOUS

✓ Furniture, mattresses
✓ Appliances (freon-free)
✓ Construction debris
✓ Yard waste
✓ Dry latex paint

🔴 HAZARDOUS (HHW)

✗ Wet paint, stains, solvents
✗ Batteries, electronics
✗ Pesticides, pool chemicals
✗ Motor oil, antifreeze
✗ Medical waste, sharps

📋 Georgia Law & Local Compliance

⚖️ Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act

HHW is exempt from federal regulations, but banned from municipal solid waste landfills. Violations can result in fines.

🏛️ Richmond County Code

Illegal dumping of HHW: fines up to $1,000 per violation. Report illegal dumping at (706) 821-2415.

When You Need Professional Help

Standard junk removal services cannot accept hazardous waste. For large quantities of HHW, estate cleanouts with unknown chemicals, or properties with abandoned hazardous materials, you need specialized handling. Professional providers can identify prohibited items and coordinate proper disposal with Richmond County facilities.

junk Removal my map

Augusta tip: Hinkins Disposal removes non-hazardous junk—furniture, appliances, debris. They cannot accept paint, chemicals, or medical waste. Call (706) 885-4032 for free estimates on standard junk removal.