Springfield, IL – Illinois residents will have eight opportunities across the state this fall to safely dispose of unwanted household hazardous waste at no cost, beginning Saturday, Aug. 22.
According to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, one-day Household Hazardous Waste collection events will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays in Bloomington, Quincy, Champaign, Mattoon, East Moline, Springfield, Decatur and Lockport. Pre-registration is required for every Fall 2026 event.
The first collection is Saturday in Bloomington at the Interstate Center in McLean County. Additional events are scheduled for Quincy on Sept. 19, Champaign on Sept. 26, Mattoon on Oct. 3, East Moline on Oct. 10, Springfield on Oct. 17, Decatur on Oct. 24 and Lockport on Oct. 31.
Residents may bring common hazardous household products including chemical cleaners, oil-based paints, paint thinners, antifreeze, motor oil, gasoline, kerosene, weed killers, insecticides and pesticides. Fluorescent and other high-intensity discharge lamps are also accepted.
Latex paint, explosives, propane tanks, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, agricultural chemicals and business waste will not be accepted.
Illinois EPA officials recommend securing containers against leaks, separating unlike chemicals and transporting materials in disposable boxes inside an empty trunk or vehicle storage compartment. Participants should remain inside their vehicles while workers remove materials at the collection site.
The agency also operates year-round collection programs serving residents through facilities or programs in Naperville, Rockford, Chicago, Lake County and Madison County.
Illinois EPA said its household hazardous waste program has collected nearly 80,000 drums of household chemicals and other hazardous materials since beginning in 1989.
Residents can find registration information, accepted materials and updated schedules through the Illinois EPA Household Hazardous Waste website.
