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Hazardous Waste Clean Sweep

Warning Symblos

CLEAN SWEEP UPDATE

The 2025 Manitowoc County Hazardous Waste Clean Sweep programs had an overwhelming turnout. Due to the large amount of material and vehicles we were forced to make the difficult decision to cut off our line. We wish we could help everyone properly dispose of their hazardous materials but, unfortunately, there are limits to what a single event can safely handle.

Many counties that host temporary hazardous waste collection events have to shut their gates when they reach their limits. This has not happened at the Manitowoc event before and we typically have most vehicles go through in the first 2 hours, even during high turnout years. We were caught by surprise, and now steps are being taken to help keep this from happening again. This is a clear indication that there is a strong need for additional events including both additional funding and staffing.

We understand the frustration of being turned away and sympathize with those affected by this. Due to the advanced planning needed to hold events there will not be another this year. To help make it up for those who could not attend, we have made arrangements to cover the disposal costs for any Manitowoc County resident taking their household hazardous waste items to the Brown County Hazardous Material Recovery Facility for the remainder of 2025. This includes any item on the acceptable list for our normal Clean Sweep event, like pesticides, cleaning products, oil and lead based paints, automotive chemicals, and mercury. A good start is to look for items that contain the following warnings on their labels: Danger, Warning, Caution, Poison, Combustible, Flammable, Corrosive, and Toxic

 

Brown County Resource Recovery

2561 S. Broadway
Green Bay, WI

920-492-4950

Website:
Brown County Hazardous Material Recovery

 

Drop off hours:

Tuesday 9am – 3pm
Thursday noon – 6pm

Or by appointment.

 

Guidelines:

  • Free disposal for acceptable hazardous waste items for Manitowoc County residential households.
  • Fees apply to any items that are not considered hazardous including electronics, batteries, propane tanks, light bulbs, cooking oils, and others.
  • Farms and businesses are not covered under this arrangement but may still utilize the Brown County program and pay for their materials. Appointments are necessary, see their website for details.
  • Bring proof of residency.
  • Drivers must remail in their vehicles.
  • Hazardous materials must be in the back end of vehicles (trunk, truck bed). Material will not be removed from front or back seats.
  • Large loads including full truck beds and full trailer loads must call and make an appointment. They reserve the right to reject or delay any unscheduled large load that shows up during their residential hours.
  • A product exchange room is available Tuesday 9am – 3pm and Thursday 1pm – 6pm.

ACCEPTABLE HAZARDOUS WASTE ITEMS

  • Pesticides
  • Herbicides
  • Insecticides
  • Fungicides
  • Rodenticides
  • Other poisonous repellents and banned chemicals (DDT)
  • Oil based paints
  • Oil (non-hazardous but covered under our arrangement, please consider taking oil to one of the local drop offs)
  • Varnishes
  • Shellacs
  • Turpentine
  • Thinners
  • Lead based paints
  • Aerosols (full or part full)
  • Wood preservatives
  • Oven cleaners
  • Spot removers
  • Polishes
  • Contaminated oil
  • Antifreeze (non-hazardous but covered under our arrangement)
  • Old gasoline
  • Acids/bases
  • Mothballs
  • Pool and spa chemicals
  • Photographic chemicals
  • Chemical strippers