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August 18, 2026 – Macon County residents will have an opportunity to safely dispose of household hazardous waste for free during a one-day Illinois EPA collection event on Saturday, October 24.
The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Progress City, East Sixth Progress Street in Decatur. Pre-registration is required, with registration information to be announced.
Residents can bring common household hazardous products, including chemical cleaners, oil-based paints, paint thinners, antifreeze, motor oil, gasoline, kerosene, weed killers, insecticides and pesticides. Fluorescent and other high-intensity discharge lamps will also be accepted.
Items not accepted include latex paint, explosives, propane tanks, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, agricultural chemicals and business waste.
Illinois EPA recommends transporting hazardous materials in a disposable box, keeping like chemicals together and separating incompatible chemicals. Containers should be securely closed and not leaking. Residents should place the boxes in the empty trunk or storage area of their vehicle, away from passengers.
The collection is a free service for Illinois residents and is part of the Illinois EPA’s statewide Household Hazardous Waste program.
