Household hazardous waste day in Marblehead, MA
How the collection day works
The 2026 event ran Wednesday, October 7, 4 to 7 p.m. for Marblehead and Swampscott residents, run by Trident Environmental Group for both Health Departments. Proof of residency is required, and the entrance is on Green Street at the Transfer Station access road. Earlier this year the town ran a Saturday, June 13 event from 9 a.m. to noon.
The town calls it an annual event and announces dates on its website. No date after October 7 was posted when we checked, so a can of paint found this week waits for the next announcement. The flyer says to keep materials in their original containers with the caps tightened.
What it takes, what it costs
October's flyer priced it at $43 for 0 to 3 gallons or 6 pounds, $60 for 3 to 10 gallons or 20 pounds and $95 for 10 to 25 gallons or 50 pounds, with more priced accordingly, credit card or check only. A gas-grill propane tank was $25 and a small torch tank $5.
It accepted oil-based paint, latex paint, stains and varnish, paint strippers and thinners, solvent adhesives, drain and oven cleaner, fuels and kerosene, motor oil, antifreeze, brake and transmission fluid, driveway sealer, roofing tar, pool chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, weed killer and fluorescent bulbs. It refused rigid plastics, empty containers and trash, commercial waste, prescription medicine and syringes, infectious waste, ammunition, fireworks and asbestos.
Medicine and sharps
Prescription medicine and syringes are not accepted on collection day. Medications can be dropped off at the Marblehead Police Station, 11 Gerry Street, in the lobby, open 24 hours. The Board of Health office at 7 Widger Road is an authorized sharps collection center and takes sharps in a rigid, leak-proof, puncture-resistant container with a tight lid.
Mercury has its own recovery program through the Health Department, so call (781) 631-0212 before a thermometer or thermostat goes in the cart.
What we can take from a garage cleanout
A garage cleanout usually mixes the regulated stuff with the rest. Set the paint, fuels, pool chemicals, propane and batteries aside for the town's day. Everything else is a normal load: old lawn furniture, shelving, bikes, broken storage bins, and boxes of hobby gear.
That load is priced by the trailer, ¼ $209, ½ $319 or full $519, with a $159 minimum. Text a photo that shows the shelves, and we will tell you what the price covers before the crew arrives.
Hazardous waste day: bring or leave
| Item | Accepted on collection day? | October 2026 fee |
|---|---|---|
| Oil-based paint, stains, varnish | Yes | Volume tier: $43 / $60 / $95 |
| Latex paint | Listed as accepted | Volume tier |
| Motor oil, antifreeze, fuels | Yes | Volume tier |
| Propane tank, gas-grill size | Yes | $25 |
| Propane, small torch size | Yes | $5 |
| Prescription medicine, syringes | No: police lobby and Board of Health | Not on collection day |
| Asbestos, fireworks, ammunition | No | Not accepted |
Local resources in Marblehead
Donation, reuse and recycling options near the pickup. We are not affiliated with these; confirm hours and what they accept before you go.
- Town
Marblehead Health Department
Runs the 2026 sticker computer for walk-ins Monday to Friday 9 to 11 a.m. and Monday to Thursday 2 to 4 p.m. In Marblehead itself.
Mary Alley Municipal Building, 7 Widger Road, Marblehead, MA 01945 - Hazardous waste
Marblehead Police Station (medication drop-off)
Accepts: Unused and expired medications in the lobby, open 24/7
Hazardous waste day does not take prescription medicine or syringes; this lobby takes the medicine. In Marblehead itself.
11 Gerry Street, Marblehead, MA 01945 - Transfer station
Marblehead Transfer Station
Open Monday to Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 3:25 p.m., closed noon to 1 p.m. Pay by card or check; fees are on the Tipping and Fees Notice. In Marblehead itself.
5 Woodfin Terrace, Marblehead, MA 01945
Quick answers
When is the next hazardous waste day in Marblehead?
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The last 2026 event was Wednesday, October 7. No later date was posted as of November 6. Call the Health Department at (781) 631-0212.
Can I bring paint to the Marblehead Transfer Station any day?
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Not on ordinary days. Hazardous waste is collected on the announced collection day, run by Trident Environmental Group for the Health Department.
How much does Marblehead hazardous waste day cost?
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October's flyer listed $43 for 0 to 3 gallons or 6 pounds, $60 for 3 to 10 gallons and $95 for 10 to 25 gallons, credit card or check only.
Where do I take old medications in Marblehead?
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To the Marblehead Police Station lobby at 11 Gerry Street, open 24/7. Sharps go to the Board of Health office at 7 Widger Road in a rigid container.
Sources
Rules, fees and hours change, so confirm with Marblehead before you go.
- Town of Marblehead: Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day, October 7, 2026: “Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 4pm-7pm” · accessed November 6, 2026
- Town of Marblehead: Health Department: “Medications can be dropped off at the Marblehead Police Station, 11 Gerry Street.” · accessed November 6, 2026
- Town of Marblehead: Trash and Recycling: “Hazardous household waste is collected by the Health Department during an annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day.” · accessed November 6, 2026
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