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Household hazardous waste in Brewster, MA

Shelf in a Cape Cod garage with half-used paint cans, pool chemical jug and a gas can, window showing pitch pines

The regional collection

Brewster residents may participate for free in a regional program with Chatham and Harwich. Collections are held on Saturdays at the Harwich Transfer Station (209 Queen Anne Road, Harwich), and proof of residency is required. The 2026 hours were 9 a.m. to noon on six Saturdays: May 9, June 13, July 11, August 8, September 12 and October 10. All of those dates have passed.

Barnstable County says the 2027 schedule and updated town brochures will be posted in spring 2027. Questions go to 1-800-319-2783.

What goes in the car, and what stays home

The county accepts oil-based paint, stains, varnish, thinners, pesticides and fertilizers with weed control, drain and oven cleaners, pool chemicals, gasoline, brake fluid and mercury devices. It does not take propane tanks, car or household batteries, empty aerosol cans or smoke detectors. Latex paint is not hazardous waste.

Brewster's Recycling Center covers some gaps: batteries of all kinds are accepted, and its paint shed takes oil-based and water-based paint. It is open April 1 through October 15, so it is closed now.

Winter storage and the leftover problem

With no collection day until spring 2027, cans pile up in garages and sheds. Keep them upright in a bin, in the original containers, away from heat. JUNKRUN does not haul hazardous waste: paint, chemicals, gas and propane stay with the county program. We do take the cabinets, shelving and boxes around them. A quarter trailer is $209, a half $319, with a $159 minimum. Tell us in the photo text what is hazardous and we will leave it for you.

Registration and proof of residency

Brewster residents bring proof of residency. Non-residents must register in advance online with Barnstable County. The county also lists a helpline, 1-800-319-2783, and says unknown or unlabeled materials, medical waste and sharps are not accepted. Small business waste has its own registration path. If you are not sure whether something qualifies, call before the Saturday, because the collection runs only three hours, 9 a.m. to noon, on the dates posted.

At the Recycling Center, the attendant can direct small metal items like empty aerosol and paint cans.

Where Brewster hazardous items go

ItemWhereNote
Oil-based paint, stain, thinnerCounty HHW day, HarwichFree for residents
Paint, oil or water-based, 3/4 fullBrewster paint shedApril 1 to October 15 only
Car and household batteriesBrewster Recycling CenterTape the terminals
Fluorescent tubesHand to an attendantNot in trash
Propane tanksRecycling Center, $1 to $5Not accepted at HHW
Latex paintTown optionsNot hazardous waste

Local resources in Brewster

Donation, reuse and recycling options near the pickup. We are not affiliated with these; confirm hours and what they accept before you go.

Quick answers

When is the next Brewster hazardous waste day?

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The county has not posted 2027 dates. It says they will go up in spring 2027. The 2026 dates ended October 10.

Is it free for Brewster residents?

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Yes, with proof of residency, at the Harwich Transfer Station.

Does Brewster take paint?

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The Recycling Center paint shed takes oil-based and water-based paint, at least three-quarters full, April 1 to October 15.

Can JUNKRUN take hazardous waste?

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No. We take furniture, appliances and clutter, not paint, chemicals, gas or propane.

Sources

Rules, fees and hours change, so confirm with Brewster before you go.

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