Clearing out the garage or basement in Chestnut Hill and not sure what to do with old paint, chemicals, or batteries? You are not alone. Getting hazardous items out of your home safely feels great, but it can be confusing. This guide shows you exactly where to go at 815 Newton St., what Brookline accepts, how to prepare your drop‑off, and what to do if your item is not eligible. Let’s dive in.
815 Newton St. basics
The Brookline DPW Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Facility is located at 815 Newton Street in the Skyline Park area of Chestnut Hill. The program typically runs on Tuesdays from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM, May through October. Always confirm the current season and hours on the town’s Hazardous Waste Drop‑Off Programs page before you go. Check the latest schedule and rules on the Brookline DPW page.
Bring proof of Brookline residency, such as a license or utility bill. The drop‑off is for household waste only. Commercial or contractor waste is not accepted. Brookline enforces a one‑trunk limit per resident per week unless you schedule an appointment with DPW. The seasonal program is provided free to Brookline residents, as confirmed in recent town communications. See the town’s announcement on free HHW services.
If you have questions or a large load, reach out to DPW. Find DPW contact information on the Household Hazardous Waste page or call 617‑730‑2156.
What you can bring
Brookline’s list can change, so use this as a starting point and verify before you go. See Brookline’s accepted items list.
- Household: non‑alkaline batteries, CFLs and fluorescent bulbs, filled aerosol cans, cleaners and polishes, mercury items like thermometers and thermostats, hobby and photo chemicals, and many electronics.
- Yard and garden: pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, fungicides, insecticides, poisons, weed killers, some propane tanks. Size limits can apply to cylinders.
- Auto and workshop: used motor oil, antifreeze, car batteries, brake and transmission fluids, engine degreasers, fuels like gasoline and kerosene, and tires.
- Hobby and home repair: oil‑based paints, paint thinners, strippers, solvents, varnishes, sealants, wood preservatives, pool chemicals, and adhesives.
What not to bring
Some items must go elsewhere for safety or regulatory reasons. Review Brookline’s do‑not‑bring list.
- Commercial or industrial hazardous waste
- Large compressed gas cylinders and certain tanks
- Ammunition, fireworks, explosives, or radioactive materials
- Asbestos or infectious/biological waste
- Unlabeled or unknown materials not in original containers
- Prescription medicines and loose sharps
Latex paint is a common question. Brookline instructs you to dry latex or acrylic paint until fully solid, then place the hardened can with the lid off in the regular trash per town rules. Oil‑based paint must go to HHW.
How to prepare and drop off
Before you go
- Confirm the current season, day, and hours. Check the DPW program page.
- Bring proof of Brookline residency.
- Keep products in original containers with readable labels. Do not mix different chemicals.
Pack and transport safely
- Tighten lids and keep containers upright in sturdy boxes. Tape lids if needed. Place any leaky container inside a sealed plastic bucket.
- Separate incompatible items, such as acids and bases, or flammables and oxidizers.
- Transport in your trunk or truck bed away from passengers and heat. For more safety tips, review these widely used municipal guidelines. See common HHW packing guidance.
At the facility
- Follow staff instructions and stay in your vehicle. DPW staff will unload your trunk.
- Expect the one‑trunk limit unless you arrange an appointment for larger loads.
- No smoking or vaping on site.
Alternatives and special cases
- Non‑residents and off‑season options: Use the state directory to find permitted facilities and regional programs that accept the public for a fee. Search MassDEP’s guide to managing hazardous household products.
- Medicines and sharps: Do not bring these to HHW. Brookline provides medicine kiosks and designated sharps drop‑off locations. View the town’s safe sharps and medicine disposal options.
- Large or unusual cylinders: Small propane tanks are often accepted, but large compressed gas cylinders may be restricted. Call DPW to confirm size limits.
- Unlabeled or unknown materials: Brookline typically cannot accept these. Use a permitted private hazardous waste firm listed by MassDEP.
- Batteries and bulbs: Brookline also maintains year‑round drop boxes at select town buildings for many small batteries and bulbs. Check the DPW page for details and hours.
Quick pre‑trip checklist
- Confirm day and hours for 815 Newton St.
- Gather items in original, labeled containers
- Separate incompatible products and secure lids
- Load items in your trunk and bring proof of Brookline residency
- Keep latex paint out of HHW by drying it first if water‑based
Clearing out hazardous clutter is a smart move, especially if you are preparing a home for sale or a move within Greater Boston. If you want a simple game plan for what to fix, donate, or remove before listing, connect with Ned O’Neill for local, practical guidance.
FAQs
Where do Brookline residents in Chestnut Hill bring hazardous waste?
- Bring eligible household hazardous waste to the Brookline DPW facility at 815 Newton St., typically open Tuesdays in season; confirm hours on the DPW page.
Can non‑residents use 815 Newton St.?
- No, the HHW drop‑off is for Brookline residents only; non‑residents should use their own town’s program or a permitted site listed by MassDEP.
Is there a fee to drop off HHW in Brookline?
- The seasonal HHW program is provided free to Brookline residents, while private or out‑of‑town options may charge fees.
What should I do with latex paint?
- Dry latex or acrylic paint fully with cat litter or a hardener, then place the hardened can with the lid off in regular trash per town guidance; oil‑based paint goes to HHW.
Can I bring prescription drugs or needles to HHW?
- No, take medicines and sharps to designated kiosks and drop‑off sites listed by the Brookline Department of Public Health.
How do I handle a large propane tank or compressed gas cylinder?
- Small propane cylinders may be accepted, but large compressed gas cylinders can be restricted; call DPW to confirm acceptance and size limits.
Will the facility accept unlabeled or unknown chemicals?
- No, unlabeled or unknown materials are not accepted at HHW; contact a permitted private hazardous waste firm listed by MassDEP for those items.
