Auto batteries, carburetor cleaner, degreasers, fuels, gasoline, oil filters, used antifreeze, used motor oil, etc.
Public Works Department - Solid Waste Division
Household Hazardous Waste and Pharmaceuticals
Drop off areas are provided at both the Bemidji and Blackduck Transfer Stations for household hazardous waste. When trying to determine if a product is classified as household hazardous waste, look for the signal words on the product labels, such as:
- Caution! mild to moderate
- Warning! moderate to hazard
- Danger! extremely flammable, corrosive or highly toxic
- Poison! Highly toxic
Household hazardous waste items need to be stored carefully following these procedures:
- Store out of reach of children in a locked cupboard or high shelf
- Store in a dry place and prevent freezing
- Store away from heat or flames
- Keep original label intact on the container
- Store in the original container
- Do not ever mix products together. TOXIC GASES FORM WHEN CLEANERS ARE COMBINED
- NO NOT MIX BLEACH WITH ANY HOUSEHOLD CHEMICALS OR CLEANERS
Examples of Household Hazardous Waste
Bug Spray, charcoal lighter fluid, fertilizer w/weed killer, insect killer, pool chemicals, roach/ant killer, rodent bait, weed killer, etc.
Aerosol products, button batteries, batteries (rechargeable), drain cleaners, fluorescent lights, mothballs, nail polish/remover, oven cleaner, polish w/solvents, spot removers, thermometers (mercury), etc.
Concrete cleaner, driveway sealer, furniture stripper, glue w/solvents/ latex paint, oil based paint, paint remover, paint thinner, roofing tar, stain/varnish, wood preservatives, etc.
Pharmaceuticals and Old Medications
Studies show that medicines flushed down the drain can contaminate our lakes and streams, which can hurt fish and other aquatic wildlife, and end up in our drinking water.
Drop off your old medications in clear zip bags (no bottles) at the Beltrami County Law Enforcement Center, 613 Minnesota Ave NW, Bemidji. 218-333-8130 OR Sanford Health, 1611 Anne St., Bemidji.
Stored using a Sharps container or a screw-on lid such as an empty laundry detergent bottle.
Disposal Locations:
- Mail-In Program (ask local pharmacy for information)
- Sanford Health Walk-In has a free drop off site for needles & syringes.
- Bemidji/Blackduck Transfer Stations
- Clearly label the container "Do Not Recycle: Household Sharps"
- Only loosely fill the container, than tightly cap and seal with tape.
For more information visit the MPCA Website
Minnesota law requires electronic smoking devices to be handled properly to prevent fires and exposure to toxic substances. Nicotine and other toxic substances in e-cigarettes, vape pens, batteries and cartridges are considered hazardous waste and cannot go in the trash or recycling.
All Vape Pens should be separated and put in a plastic ziploc bag for disposal, and hand delivered to the Bemidji/Blackduck Transfer Station.
Rechargeable & Lithium Battery Disposal
- Rechargeable & Lithium Batteries must be separated from your household waste.
- These batteries must be placed in a clear plastic bag or the battery contacts must be covered with clear plastic tape for proper handling and disposal.
- These batteries than must be placed in one of the remote drop-off recycling battery boxes or hand delivered to either the Bemidji/Blackduck Transfer Station.
- Lithium batteries larger than 300 watt hours must be brought back to the store where purchased. (ex. electric lawn mower, e-bikes).
Alkaline batteries can be placed in your trash.