PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release: July 6, 2026
Contact: Michael Brown Phone: (309) 454-3169 x.11
The Ecology Action Center (EAC) is pleased to announce a McLean County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection event for Saturday, August 22, 2026. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is covering major costs for the HHW, with additional support from the City of Bloomington, Town of Normal, McLean County, and the Bloomington-Normal Water Reclamation District. “Frequent Household Hazardous Waste collection events locally increases participation and reduces the likelihood of improper disposal which can impact our drinking water supplies,” said Michael Brown, Executive Director of the EAC.
The HHW collection event will be appointment-only in order to regulate traffic to prevent long waits; residents must sign up for an appointment at HHWmclean.org. Residents without computer access may call 309-GOTO-HHW (309-468-6449) for assistance. For fastest service, registration by the website HHWmclean.org is strongly encouraged. Participation is open to all Illinois residents at no cost. Illinois regulations mandate that only residential wastes may be collected—no business or commercially generated wastes are accepted. The deadline for HHW appointments is noon on August 18, 2026. Volunteers are needed to help with traffic control at the event; signup is available online at HHWmclean.org.
Accepted materials include: Oil-based paints, Used Motor Oil, Herbicides, Pesticides, Insecticides, old gasoline, Pool chemicals, Cleaning products, Mercury, Acids, Household batteries, Paint thinners, Lawn chemicals, Solvents, Antifreeze, Hobby chemicals, Aerosol paints and pesticides, Fluorescent lamp bulbs, Vapes, Drain cleaners, and Corrosives.
Unaccepted items include: Latex paint, Agricultural wastes, Business/commercial sector wastes, Explosives, Fireworks, Controlled substances, Unwanted or expired medications, Lead acid batteries, Propane tanks, Smoke detectors, Farm machinery oil, Fire extinguishers, Biohazard waste, or Institutional or business waste.
The Ecology Action Center is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to inspire and assist residents of McLean County in creating, strengthening and preserving a healthy environment. The EAC acts as the environmental sustainability agency for Bloomington, Normal, and McLean County, Illinois.
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