Now is the time to clean out basements, garages or barns and look for old, unusable or mystery products that require safe disposal. The Oceana County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection day is scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event takes place at the Hart Department of Public Works, 1010 State St., Hart, MI 49420. This event is only held once a year!
Items accepted for disposal:
• Motor oil, gasoline and other automotive fluids
• Household cleaners
• Alcohols, aerosols, dyes
• Herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers
• Oil-based paints
• Electronics (TVs, computers, DVD players, radios, phones, printers)
• Small Appliances (microwaves, window AC units, dehumidifiers and small refrigerators)
• Batteries (household, automotive and power tool batteries)
• Pharmaceuticals (expired or unused medications, Sharps in puncture-proof container and inhalers)
• Vaping devices
These items are considered hazardous because they could cause contamination to the environment, particularly drinking and surface water, if dumped or leaked. They also typically aren’t accepted through regular trash services. By bringing these items to the HHW event, these products are reused, recycled or safely disposed of by certified contractors, ensuring they stay out of the local soil, forest and water resources.
Residents can expect to be greeted upon entering and directed to the appropriate drop-off station based on the type of materials they have. Residents are asked to remain in their vehicles while volunteers unload their items to help keep traffic moving efficiently. The event will close promptly at 1 p.m., and late drop-offs will not be accepted. The first hour tends to be the busiest, so those planning to arrive early should anticipate a short wait.
Items not accepted:
• Tires • Styrofoam
• Ammunition • Household trash
• Fiberglass • Latex and acrylic paints
Important note on paint disposal:
Only oil-based paints will be accepted, so individuals are encouraged to take a closer look at the paint they wish to dispose of. Latex and acrylic paints are water-based paints and are not considered hazardous once dried. A drying agent such as cat litter or sawdust can be added to latex or acrylic paint cans, or simply leave the lid off and let it dry out naturally. Once fully dry, the cans can be thrown in regular trash bins.
Tips for identifying oil-based vs. water-based paints:
• Oil-based paint typically has a more potent odor than water-based paint.
• Check the label and see if it says cleanup requires “mineral spirits” or look for the word “alkyd” - this is an oil-based paint. If the label says cleanup requires only soap and water, this is a water-based paint.
• Rubbing alcohol will remove dried water-based paint, but not oil-based paint. If there are any dry patches on the sides of the can, apply some alcohol to a rag or cotton ball and see if any residue comes off.
Residents intending to bring a large load of 200 lbs. or more are required to call the Oceana Conservation District, at 231-861-5600, in advance. This allows staff to adequately manage and prepare for what will be coming in so that as much material as possible can be collected and individuals aren’t turned away.
This event is open to Oceana County residents only, though Mason and Manistee counties also hold their collections on the same day. The annual event is coordinated by a three-county committee composed of conservation district staff and community members within Manistee, Mason and Oceana counties. The three-county committee is responsible for the planning, coordination, execution, and funding of the event. Financial contributions from counties, townships and villages and donations on the day of help keep this valuable service running. The committee asks for a suggested minimum donation of $15 per load to help support this year’s event.
For questions or additional information, contact the Oceana Conservation District at 231-861-5600 or visit https://www.oceanaconservation....
