Hazardous Waste/Paint Disposal

Hazardous Waste Disposal

Household hazardous waste includes the following:

• Antifreeze
• Building materials
• Bulky wastes
• Burning or smoldering materials or any other materials that would create a fire hazard
• Motor vehicle tires
• Radioactive or medical wastes
• Rocks, dirt, sod, paint, or motor oil
• Yard waste (brush, bagged leaves, limbs)

These items should not be disposed of with your ordinary trash.

The best method of managing household hazardous waste is to prevent its generation. Select the least toxic item to do the job and buy only the minimum amount necessary. An example of a less toxic cleaning product is a paste of baking soda and water for cleaning.  

Paint Disposal Recommendations

These recommendations are based on the amount of paint to be disposed:

• If there is a small amount of paint remaining in the can, open the can and allow the paint to air dry. Once the paint has hardened, it can be disposed of with the regular trash.
• If there is a larger quantity of paint remaining, pour kitty litter, sand, or other such material in the can to dry the paint. Once the paint is dry, it can be disposed of with the regular trash.
• Large quantities of paint can be saved until a scheduled Dare County paint swap, which typically takes place twice a year.

Additional Information

If you need further direction or have any questions as to if the items are chemical or possibly hazardous, please contact Nags Head’s Public Works Department at 252-441-1122 or Nags Head’s Fire Department at 252-441-5909.