Hazardous Waste

Brookline’s Department of Public Works offers multiple opportunities for residents to safely dispose of household hazardous and universal waste across Town. Open every Tuesday from 7:30 to 12:30 from May through October, the Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Facility at Brookline’s Transfer Station gives Brookline residents the opportunity to divert waste from the waste stream and dispose of hazardous material the right way.

Brookline Senior Center, located in North Brookline, also collects select universal waste materials between May and October. Two Department of Public Works (DPW) offices offer year-round battery and/or lightbulb collection programs. A list of all hazardous and universal waste collection programs offered by the Town can be found below. Visit our Additional Recycling Programs page to learn more about battery recycling in Brookline.

Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Facility

Brookline Transfer Station - 815 Newton Street

Open Every Tuesday from May 2nd, 2023 - October 31, 2023. 7:30 AM - 12:30 PM

• Brookline residents only. Proof of residency is required (ie., a govt issued ID, utility bill, lease agreement, etc.).
• This is a free drop-off service.
• Be prepared to wait.
• No commercial waste is accepted!

Residents with more than a trunk load must make an appointment during our open season with Patrick O'Neill, Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator, at [email protected].

Accepted Materials

Materials NOT Accepted

• Acrylic/Latex Paint - to properly dispose of water-based paint, add equal parts kitty litter to the paint in the can (1 part paint to 1 part kitty litter). If you have more than half a can, you can also pour the paint into a lined cardboard box, then pour in kitty litter. Stir the kitty litter into the paint until it has an oatmeal-like consistency that will not spill out. Allow the paint and kitty litter mixture to sit for a few days, and once dry, place the dried paint (in the can with the lid off) inside your trash cart on your collection day. The lid must be off!
• Alkaline Batteries - can be placed in the trash or brought to Brookline Senior Center, Brookline Town Hall DPW office (4th Floor), or Municipal Service Center (870 Hammond Street) to be recycled. 
• Ammunition, fireworks, and explosives
• Asbestos
• Commercial/industrial waste
• Compressed gas cylinders
• Construction materials
• Empty aerosol cans - can be placed in the trash
• Empty containers - can be placed in the trash
• Infectious/ biological wastes
• Non-hazardous materials
• Non-mercury smoke detectors - can be placed in the trash
• Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs)
• Prescription medicines - can be taken to CVS at 294 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA 02446
• Radioactive waste
• Unused fireworks, flares or explosives - can be taken to the Police Department at 350 Washington Street, Brookline, MA 02445

All Visitors Must Adhere to the Following Rules:

1. Keep products in their original containers. The label on the original container has important safety and disposal information. Products in non-original containers will not be accepted. 
2. Never mix hazardous or toxic products. Many products are incompatible. Mixing them could cause a violent or explosive reaction.
3. Transport your items in the trunk of your car or bed of your truck and pack the materials so nothing will spill during transportation.
4. All visitors must show proof of residency (ie., government issued ID, utility bill, lease agreement, etc.)
5. Please stay in your car at all times once you arrive at the facility. DPW staff will safely remove your materials from your car.
6. Absolutely no smoking or vaping allowed when on Transfer Station property.

Additional Universal Waste Collection Programs

Brookline Senior Center Hazardous Waste Collection Bin (93 Winchester Street)

• WHEN: May through October only. Monday - Friday between 8:30am and 5pm.
• Materials accepted: Filled aerosol cans, lightbulbs (maximum 50 inches long), and all single-use and rechargeable batteries weighing 11 lbs or less each. No wet-cell, damaged or defective batteries accepted.

Brookline Public Works Town Hall Office (4th Floor of Brookline Town Hall, 333 Washington Street)

• WHEN: Year-round. Monday - Thursday 8:00am - 5:00pm, and 8:00am - 12:30pm on Fridays.
• Materials accepted: All rechargeable and single-use batteries weighing 11 lbs or less each. No wet-cell, damaged or defective batteries accepted.

Brookline Public Works Municipal Service Center (870 Hammond Street)

• WHEN: Year-round. Monday – Friday 7:00am – 3:00pm BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
• Materials accepted: Lightbulbs (maximum 50 inches long) and all rechargeable and single-use batteries weighing 11 lbs or less each. No wet-cell, damaged or defective batteries accepted.