© 2025 WGLT
A public service of Illinois State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Appointments available for Oct. 4 household hazardous waste collection in McLean County

A large pile of used plastic and metal containers, including bottles, jugs, and cans, is stacked inside a large white bin outdoors under a cloudy sky.
Michael Brown
/
Ecology Action Center
A bin of household hazardous waste from a 2014 McLean County collection event.

Appointments are now available for a household hazardous waste collection taking place Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Interstate Center in Bloomington.

The event signals an increased frequency in hazardous waste collection spearheaded by Ecology Action Center [EAC], as they push for a permanent site to safely dispose household materials like oil-based paint, used motor oil, pesticides, fluorescent lamp bulbs, antifreeze and batteries.

“The increased frequency of hazardous waste collection events locally will help increase participation and reduce the likelihood of improper disposal, while also conserving local financial resources for taxpayers,” EAC Executive Director Michael Brown said in a press release.

Collection will be done by appointment only to regulate traffic and prevent long wait times. Sign up is available by calling 309-GOTO-HHW [309-468-6449] or visiting HHWmclean.org, where a list of acceptable and unacceptable waste can be found as well.

Participation is open to all Illinois residents at no cost. Website registration is strongly encouraged for fastest service.

The one-day collection event is funded by multiple agencies and government bodies, including the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the City of Bloomington, Town of Normal, McLean County, and the Bloomington-Normal Water Reclamation District.

The deadline to make an appointment is noon Friday, Sept. 26. Traffic volunteers may sign up a HHWmclean.org.

Colleen Holden is a student reporting intern, and part-time local host of NPR’s All Things Considered. She joined the station in 2024.
Lauren Warnecke is a reporter at WGLT. You can reach Lauren at lewarne@ilstu.edu.