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Clean Sweep Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day

August 16th, 2025

Annually held the third Saturday in August from 9am-1pm, in cooperation with the Michigan Water Stewardship Clean Sweep Program, this service is available to residents of Mason County only. It is made possible by contributions the Mason-Lake Conservation District, the Household Hazardous Waste Committee, contributions from local county government entitles including townships, villages, and cities within the county; and personal donations.

Participation is free, but a suggested minimum donation of $15 is greatly appreciated. Please drop off hazardous waste at collection sites only during scheduled hours! We have no means of disposal at any other time. In Mason County there will be two lines–one for general hazardous waste and a separate line for electronics. If you have both, you will have to go through both lines.

Household Hazardous Wastes Must be Disposed of Correctly

If hazardous wastes are disposed of incorrectly, they can cause environmental damage by contaminating ground and surface waters, threatening human health and wildlife. Disposing of these products in storm drains allows these materials to enter surface waters untreated. Pouring on the ground leads to potential groundwater (drinking water) contamination. These wastes should not be thrown in the trash; liquid wastes are not allowed in Michigan landfills. The dangers of such disposal methods may not be immediately obvious, but certain types of household hazardous waste have the potential to cause physical injury to sanitation workers; contaminate septic tanks or wastewater treatment systems if poured down drains and toilets; and present hazards to children and pets if left around the house. Please use a product completely, give the remainder to neighbors, or take it to the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Site during collection hours. Empty containers can be disposed of in normal household trash.

Watch for the following signal words:

  • Biohazard Flammable
  • Caution Reactive
  • Corrosive Poison
  • Danger Toxic
  • Warning

Clean Sweep is Simple and Easy!

Who can use the program?
Any Mason County homeowners may use this services and businesses that utilizes pesticides are also eligible. All Conservation District programs and services are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status or disability.

What can I bring and how much?
Old unwanted, out of date or unusable pesticides can be dropped off for safe disposal.
Pre-registration is required for amounts over 200 poiunds. Call the Mason-Lake Conservation District office to register: (231) 757-3707 ext. 5.

What’s the catch?
There is no catch. Clean Sweep is a good deal for you. There is no red tape and all information is kept strictly confidential.

Note to Agricultural Producers:
Empty out those old pesticides and fertilizers that you won’t be using. This is a good time to dispose of these products, participation is free.

Tips for safe transport of hazardous materials:

  • Keep items in their original and labeled containers.
  • Do not mix contents of unknown or unlabeled containers.
  • Make sure that the containers are not leaking prior to bringing them to a collection facility.
  • Inspect steel containers for rust, pinholes or defective seams.
  • Over pack any leaking container in a clear plastic bag or leak-proof container.
  • Do not transport containers with open tops.
  • Place chemicals in vehicle away from passengers.
  • Secure all containers so they cannot slide, tip or spill contents.
  • 55 gallon drums must be removed from premises by producer.

Acceptable Clean Sweep Materials:

Pre-registration is required if you have over 200 lbs. of waste for disposal.

  • Aerosols
  • Alcohols
  • Algaecides
  • Automotive Batteries
  • Antifreeze
  • Brake Fluid
  • Bug Sprays
  • Car Paint
  • Car Wax
  • Cell Phones
  • Cleaning Products
  • Craft Paint
  • Creosote
  • Diesel Fuel
  • Dry-cleaning Solvents
  • Dyes
  • Electronics (Tvs/Computers/Radios)
  • Engine Cleaners
  • Epoxies
  • Fertilizers
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Floor Care Products
  • Florescent-Light Bulbs
  • Fuel Oil
  • Fungicides
  • Gasoline
  • Glue/Adhesives
  • Grease
  • Herbicides
  • Household Batteries
  • Ink Jet Cartridges
  • Insecticides
  • Kerosene
  • Lead-based Paint
  • Lighter Fluid
  • Medicines (in original container)
  • Mercury
  • Motor Oil
  • Mouse/Rat Poison
  • Muriatic Acid
  • Oil-Based Paint
  • Oil Filters
  • Oil/Gas Mixtures
  • Paint Brush Cleaners
  • Paint Strippers
  • Paint Thinners
  • Pesticides
  • Polyurethane
  • Pool Chemicals
  • Primer
  • Rust Removers
  • Silver Polish
  • Small Appliances ($10 fee for items containing freon)
  • Turpentine
  • Transmission Fluids
  • Varnish/Sealers
  • Weed Killers
  • Wood Stain

Unacceptable Clean Sweep Items:

These items will NOT be accepted at the collection.

  • Ammunition or Explosives: Mason County Sheriff’s Office, (231) 843-34
  • Household Trash
  • Infectious Medical Waste
  • Large freon-using appliances: Padnos in Ludington takes free of charge, (231) 845-0241.
  • Latex Paint: Call your local waste disposal. Paint needs to be completely dry. To dry, leave lids off, add kitty litter or sawdust for speedier drying.
  • Radioactive Materials
  • Tires: Steve’s Tire & Auto in Scottville, (231) 757-9570; Tire It Wholesale in Ludington, (231) 843-3639; Urka Auto Center in Ludington, (231) 480-4326
  • Styrofoam
  • Waste from Spills

Waste Collection Sites:

Oceana County
Hart Dept. Public Works
1010 State St.
Hart, MI 49420

Mason County
Mason County Road Commission
510 E. State St. (US-10)
Scottville, MI 49454

Manistee County
Manistee Road Commission
8946 Chippewa Highway
Bear Lake, MI 49614

If you would like to volunteer to help at the collection, please call one of our offices, we may have a job for you!

Did you miss the annual Clean Sweep Day?

Not to worry! There are organizations that take some items throughout the year. They include:

  • Padnos Company Ludington – Accepts appliances, computers, and car batteries.
  • Mason County Sheriff’s Department– 302 N. Delia, Ludington – Accepts pharmaceuticals and controlled substances.
  • Mason County Department of Health– 916 Diana St., Ludington – Accepts used sharps (devices with sharp points or edges that can puncture or cut skin).
  • All Meijer Locations – Accept printer toner.
  • Advanced Auto Parts, Watson Chrysler, and Walmart Service Center in Ludington – Accept used auto fluids and motor oil.

For more information on the collection, please contact:

Oceana Conservation District
1064 Industrial Park Drive
Shelby, MI 49455
(231) 861-4967, oceanaconservationdistrict.org

Mason-Lake Conservation District
655 N. Scottville Rd.
Scottville, MI 49454
(231) 757-3708 ext 3, mason-lakeconservation.org

Manistee Conservation District
8840 Chippewa Highway
Bear Lake, MI 49614
(231) 889-4761, manisteecd.org

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