There's a specific kind of frustration that hits when you're cleaning out a Permian Basin garage in July. You've got a half-used gallon of oil-based porch paint, three dead car batteries, a box of old fluorescent bulbs, and a bag of pesticide granules from 2018 that you never finished using. You know none of it goes in the green bin. You've Googled it twice. The results you got back were either a commercial hazmat company charging industrial rates or a vague state webpage that tells you to "check with your local city."
So you do nothing. The stuff sits there. Another summer passes.
This guide is built for that exact situation. Midland doesn't have a one-stop HHW drop-off event like some Texas cities run quarterly. What it does have is a solid network of specific locations that take specific items — if you know where to look. Every address in here has been verified against official city and county sources. Every phone number is real. Where I couldn't verify hours with confidence, I've said so — call ahead.
- The Citizens Collection Station (4100 Smith Road) does NOT accept hazardous waste of any kind. Don't drive out there with paint or chemicals — they will turn you away.
- Midland's curbside pickup explicitly bans hazardous materials per the city's solid waste ordinance. Fines up to $2,000 per violation apply.
- The city landfill at 7901 E. Garden City Highway does not accept HHW from residents — landfill access is for yard waste and metals only.
- Midland does not currently operate a scheduled annual HHW collection event. Items must go to private or retail drop-off points.
- Texas law under TCEQ guidelines treats household-generated HHW differently from commercial waste — residents are not required by law to dispose of it as industrial hazardous waste, but dumping it in regular trash or down drains is still illegal and can carry significant fines.
Paint — Oil-Based, Latex, and Spray Cans
Paint is the one item that trips up the most Midland residents. The rules are different depending on what type of paint you have.
Latex paint (water-based): If the can is less than a quarter full, TCEQ guidance allows you to remove the lid, let it dry out completely in a ventilated area — takes a few days in West Texas heat, sometimes less — and then toss the dried can in your regular trash. Can is still half-full? Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Midland accepts unopened or usable paint in good condition. They're at 305 E. Texas, open Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday until 4 p.m. Worth calling at (432) 682-9606 before you haul over a box of old cans.
Oil-based paint and stains: Different story entirely. Oil-based paint is classified as a hazardous material and cannot be dried and trashed. It also cannot go to the Citizens Collection Station. For oil-based paint, your main verified option in Midland is PaintCare — a national paint stewardship program that operates drop-off sites at participating retail stores. Check paintcare.org/drop-off-locator and enter your Midland zip code for the current list of participating locations. Availability changes seasonally so verify before going.
Spray paint cans: Aerosols with remaining product are considered HHW. Same rule — don't trash them full. Empty spray cans with no pressure remaining can go in your regular recycling. The Home Depot on Midland Drive (432) 694-8700 accepts some aerosol products as part of their in-store recycling — call ahead to confirm what they're currently taking.
Batteries — Car, Rechargeable, and Button Cell
Three different types. Three different answers.
Car batteries (lead-acid): Easiest one on this list. Recycle Midland at 3601 Industrial Ave takes car batteries Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to noon — (432) 520-2700. Mid-Tex Battery at 1410 Front Street also accepts them, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., (432) 683-8421. Most auto parts stores — O'Reilly, AutoZone — will take your dead car battery when you're buying a replacement. That's probably your easiest option. No fee, no appointment.
Rechargeable batteries (lithium, NiMH, NiCd): Home Depot and Lowe's both accept rechargeable batteries. Home Depot at Midland Dr has a bin near the entrance. Lowe's at (432) 689-2828 does as well. Note: Mid-Tex Battery specifically does NOT accept lithium batteries. Don't bring lithium there.
Single-use alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, D): Technically not classified as hazardous under Texas law and can go in your regular trash. Best Buy at (432) 687-2051 accepts all batteries for recycling regardless — if you want to keep them out of landfill.
Button cell batteries (watch batteries, hearing aid batteries) contain mercury. Certain battery retailers and mail-in recycling programs handle these. Best Buy is your most reliable local option. Call ahead to confirm current battery program availability.
Used Motor Oil and Antifreeze
Used motor oil cannot go in the landfill under Texas law. Full stop. One quart of motor oil can contaminate up to a million gallons of groundwater — relevant information in a region that relies heavily on aquifer systems.
The good news: all automotive stores in Midland accept used oil and oil filters. O'Reilly Auto Parts, AutoZone, Advance Auto, and Walmart automotive centers all take it at no charge. You don't need an appointment. Show up during business hours with your oil in a sealed container — original oil container if possible. The TCEQ specifically notes that used oil is accepted by most area auto shops, so this one shouldn't require any planning at all.
Antifreeze: Technically nonhazardous under TCEQ classification but still shouldn't go down the drain. Most places that take used oil will also take antifreeze. Call your nearest automotive store to confirm — not all locations accept both. Keep antifreeze separate from used oil when transporting; mixing them makes the oil harder to recycle and some locations will reject a combined container.
Medications and Prescription Drugs
Midland has two verified locations for medication disposal. Neither requires an appointment, and neither charges a fee.
Midland Memorial Hospital at 400 Rosalind Redfern Grover Parkway, (432) 221-1111, accepts over-the-counter and prescription medications during business hours. They will not take inhalers or aerosols, creams or ointments, needles or sharps, glass containers, or liquids. Pills, tablets, and capsules in their original bottles — that's what goes here.
Walgreens at 215 Andrews Hwy, (432) 682-8211, has a dedicated medication disposal bin inside the pharmacy. Walk in, go to the pharmacy counter, they'll direct you to the bin. No need to call ahead. Same restrictions as the hospital location — no inhalers, aerosols, creams, sharps, glass, or liquids.
A note on needles and sharps: this is where people get stuck. Neither location above takes sharps. For needle disposal in Midland, most pharmacies will sell you a sharps container. Once full, many pharmacies and some medical offices accept sealed sharps containers — call Midland Memorial's main line or your pharmacy directly to confirm current sharps return programs in the area.
Do not flush medications down the toilet. Not an option. The "flush list" published by the FDA covers only a narrow category of controlled substances — and even that guidance is being revisited. Default is always the medication disposal bin.
Fluorescent Bulbs and CFLs
CFLs and fluorescent tubes contain mercury. A small amount — but enough that breaking one in a confined space like a Midland garage in August warrants opening everything up and letting it ventilate before you clean it up. The EPA has a specific protocol for broken CFL cleanup; look it up before you reach for the broom.
For intact bulbs, both Home Depot (Midland Dr) and Lowe's accept fluorescent bulbs and CFLs for recycling. No charge. Drop them in the collection bins near the entrance — same bins as the rechargeable batteries. Both stores are open standard retail hours seven days a week.
LEDs? Not hazardous. Regular trash is fine, or drop them in any recycling bin. If you've been holding on to old CFL bulbs because you weren't sure — now you know. Home Depot. Done.
Pesticides, Cleaners, and Household Chemicals
This is the hardest category to solve in Midland, and I'm not going to dress that up. The city does not currently operate a permanent HHW facility for chemical drop-off. This is the gap.
For pesticides, pool chemicals, drain cleaners, and solvents, your options in order of practicality:
- TCEQ HHW Collection Events: The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality maintains a list of scheduled HHW collection events across the state at tceq.texas.gov/p2/hhw/contacts.html. Check this page for any Midland County or Midland Basin-area events. These events accept pesticides, solvents, and household chemicals that permanent retail locations won't. Events are not frequent — but they do happen.
- Keep Midland Beautiful Texas Recycles Day: Keep Midland Beautiful hosts an annual Texas Recycles Day event each November that accepts a broader range of materials in one place. Contact them at (432) 688-7745 to confirm what's accepted at the upcoming event and whether they've scheduled any additional collection events.
- Product use-up: For pesticides and fertilizers — use the product as directed until it's gone. TCEQ specifically recommends this as the best outcome. An empty, triple-rinsed container can go in regular trash. For concentrated chemicals you can't use, see option 1 above.
- Share or donate: Unexpired paint, fertilizers, and chemicals in good condition can be passed along to neighbors, community gardens, or through neighborhood Facebook groups. TCEQ guidance actively encourages this for usable products.
If you have a large volume of chemicals from an estate clearout or old property, that's a different situation. Contact the Midland Solid Waste Department at (432) 685-7278 directly — they can advise on what licensed haulers are authorized for residential chemical disposal in Midland County.
Electronics — TVs, Computers, Phones
Electronics aren't technically HHW, but they're in the same "I don't know what to do with this" category for most residents, so they're here.
Best Buy at (432) 687-2051 is your most comprehensive option — they take TVs, computers, monitors, phones, cables, and most electronics regardless of where you bought them. There's a fee for some large-screen TVs (typically $25–$30), but most smaller electronics go free. Drop off at the customer service desk.
Target at 4001 Midland Dr, (432) 699-7500, has bins for MP3 players, cell phones, and ink cartridges. Not TVs or monitors — just smaller devices.
Liberty City Rage Room at 401 W Texas Ave, (432) 756-6050, accepts appliances and electronics and can schedule a pickup. Unusual option, but it's verified.
The TCEQ also maintains manufacturer take-back programs for TVs and computers at tceq.texas.gov — TV recycling and computer recycling programs. These are free programs through manufacturers — worth checking if your brand is listed.
Full HHW Drop-Off Directory — Midland, TX
⚠️ Hours verified against official sources at time of publication. Call ahead before making a trip — schedules change.
| Location | Address | Phone | Hours | Accepts | Directions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walgreens Pharmacy | 215 Andrews Hwy, Midland, TX 79701 | (432) 682-8211 | Business hours — call to confirm | Rx & OTC medications (no sharps, aerosols, liquids, glass) | Get Directions |
| Midland Memorial Hospital | 400 Rosalind Redfern Grover Pkwy, Midland, TX 79701 | (432) 221-1111 | Business hours | Rx & OTC medications (no sharps, aerosols, liquids, glass) | Get Directions |
| Home Depot | Midland Dr, Midland, TX 79707 | (432) 694-8700 | Standard retail hours | Fluorescent bulbs, CFLs, rechargeable batteries, some aerosols (call ahead) | Get Directions |
| Lowe's | West Loop 250 N, Midland, TX 79705 | (432) 689-2828 | Standard retail hours | Fluorescent bulbs, CFLs, rechargeable batteries | Get Directions |
| Best Buy | Midland, TX (call for exact address) | (432) 687-2051 | Standard retail hours | Electronics, TVs (fee for large screens), all batteries, cables, cords | Get Directions |
| Mid-Tex Battery | 1410 Front St, Midland, TX 79701 | (432) 683-8421 | Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM | All batteries except lithium | Get Directions |
| Recycle Midland | 3601 Industrial Ave, Midland, TX 79703 | (432) 520-2700 | Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM, Sat 8 AM–12 PM | Car batteries, scrap metals, aluminum, copper, appliances | Get Directions |
| Habitat for Humanity ReStore | 305 E Texas, Midland, TX 79701 | (432) 682-9606 | Tue–Fri 10 AM–5 PM, Sat 10 AM–4 PM | Usable/unopened latex paint, building supplies in good condition | Get Directions |
| Commercial Metals Company | 1605 Garden City Hwy, Midland, TX 79701 | (432) 570-4006 | Mon–Fri 8 AM–4 PM | Scrap metals, copper, aluminum, appliances, extension cords | Get Directions |
| Keep Midland Beautiful | 3500 N A St Ste 1500, Midland, TX 79705 | (432) 688-7745 | Call for event schedule | Annual Texas Recycles Day event — broader HHW accepted | Get Directions |
Common Mistakes Midland Residents Make
These are the ones that actually cause problems — turned away at drop-off, fined, or items sitting in garages for years because the first attempt failed.
- Driving to the Citizens Collection Station with paint or chemicals. The station at 4100 Smith Road explicitly does not accept hazardous waste. The sign is there. Staff will turn you away. First time most people find this out is after a thirty-minute drive across town.
- Mixing antifreeze into the used motor oil container. Automotive stores still accept it sometimes, but many won't take a mixed container — it makes the oil non-recyclable. Keep them in separate, sealed jugs.
- Bringing oil-based paint to a latex paint donation event. Habitat ReStore accepts usable latex paint in good condition. Oil-based paint is a different product with different disposal requirements. Showing up with a can of stain or oil-based exterior paint won't work there.
- Assuming the city landfill takes everything. It doesn't. The Midland landfill at 7901 E. Garden City Highway is for yard waste and metals only for residents — and charges a $25 landfill access fee per visit. Showing up with a box of chemicals will get you turned around at the gate.
- Flushing medications because "you read it was okay." For the vast majority of household medications, flushing is not the right move. The FDA flush list is narrow and specific. Default: medication disposal bin at Walgreens or Midland Memorial.
- Putting full aerosol cans in the curbside bin. Pressurized cans with remaining product cannot go in curbside recycling or trash. Empty, fully depressurized cans with no remaining product — fine for recycling. Full or partially full cans — not fine. Midland's ordinance is clear on this.
- Waiting for a city HHW event that doesn't exist on a regular schedule. Unlike Houston or Austin, Midland does not run quarterly city-sponsored HHW collection events. If you're waiting for one, you could wait a long time. Use the retail and private drop-off network in this guide instead.
My Take
The honest answer is that Midland's HHW situation is patchwork. There's no single facility, no regular collection day, no straightforward city program that covers everything under one roof. That's a real gap — and it's the kind of gap that causes stuff to sit in garages for years because residents hit one dead end and give up. I've seen it in every neighborhood forum I've ever looked at for this city.
That said — the retail network works, if you know how to use it. Batteries go to Home Depot or Lowe's. Meds go to Walgreens on Andrews or Midland Memorial. Motor oil goes to any auto parts store, no appointment, no fee. Electronics go to Best Buy. Usable latex paint goes to Habitat ReStore. For most of what's sitting in your garage right now, that covers it. The hard stuff — pesticides, pool chemicals, solvents — is where you have to wait for a TCEQ event or call the city directly. That part I'm not going to sugarcoat.
Keep Midland Beautiful is worth calling. They've run broader collection events in the past and can tell you what's coming up. The TCEQ HHW contacts page is the other one to bookmark. Between those two, you'll catch the next opportunity for anything the retail locations won't touch.
Before-You-Go Checklist
Before loading the car:
☐ Items are in their original containers with labels still readable
☐ Containers are sealed and upright — not on their sides
☐ Nothing is leaking — check lids before you put them in the vehicle
☐ You have NOT mixed products together
☐ You've confirmed drop-off location hours by phone before driving
☐ You know which location accepts your specific item (check the table above)
☐ Oil-based paint is separated from latex paint
☐ Used oil and antifreeze are in separate, sealed containers
☐ Medications are in original bottles where possible
☐ You're not heading to the Citizens Collection Station with any of this
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Midland have a household hazardous waste drop-off facility?
Not a permanent, city-operated one. Midland does not currently run a dedicated HHW drop-off center. Disposal is handled through a network of retail locations (Home Depot, Lowe's, Walgreens, auto parts stores) and periodic collection events organized by TCEQ or Keep Midland Beautiful. This guide covers all verified options by item type.
Can I put old paint in my curbside recycling bin?
No. Not in any form — wet paint cans cannot go in curbside recycling or trash. Dried-out latex paint (less than a quarter full, lid removed, fully dried) can go in regular trash once solid. Oil-based paint requires a hazardous waste drop-off regardless of amount. Usable latex paint in good condition can be donated to Habitat ReStore on E. Texas.
Where do I dispose of motor oil in Midland?
Any automotive store — O'Reilly, AutoZone, Advance Auto — accepts used motor oil and oil filters at no charge during normal business hours. No appointment needed. Keep the oil in a sealed container, separate from antifreeze. Do not mix with other fluids.
What happens if I put hazardous waste in my curbside bin?
Under Midland's solid waste ordinance (Chapter 8-6), disposing of hazardous materials in curbside collection is prohibited. Violations can carry fines up to $2,000 per incident, with each day treated as a separate offense. Beyond the fine, improperly disposed HHW can contaminate soil and groundwater — a concern in a West Texas community that depends on aquifer systems.
Can I take hazardous waste to the Midland landfill?
No. The City of Midland Landfill at 7901 E. Garden City Highway does not accept household hazardous waste from residents. It accepts yard waste and metals. There's also a $25 landfill access fee per vehicle visit. Bring your chemicals there and you'll be turned away.
Does Midland have medication drop-off programs?
Yes — two verified locations. Walgreens at 215 Andrews Hwy has a medication disposal bin inside the pharmacy (no appointment needed). Midland Memorial Hospital at 400 Rosalind Redfern Grover Parkway also accepts medications during business hours. Neither location accepts sharps, aerosols, liquids, creams, or glass containers.
Where can I recycle old fluorescent bulbs in Midland?
Home Depot and Lowe's both have CFL and fluorescent tube collection bins. No charge, no appointment. Drop them intact — don't break them before transport, as fluorescent bulbs contain small amounts of mercury.
⚠️ Hours, prices, and policies listed in this guide were verified against official city sources and Keep Midland Beautiful's published directory at time of publication (April 2026). Always call ahead or check your city's solid waste website before making a trip, as schedules change. The City of Midland Solid Waste Department can be reached at (432) 685-7278 for current information.
What to Do Next
Pick the one item that's been sitting in your garage the longest. Look it up in this guide. Make one phone call to confirm hours. Go this week.
That's the move. Not all of it at once — one item, one drop-off location, done. Once you've done it once, the next one takes ten minutes.
If you've got paint, meds, and batteries — start with the meds. Walgreens on Andrews Hwy, no appointment, five minutes. Then Home Depot for the batteries and bulbs. The paint situation takes a bit more planning, but it's manageable once you know which type you're dealing with.
For Midland residents dealing with old refrigerators or other large appliances — our guide on how to recycle a refrigerator in Texas covers that side of things separately. Bulky items like mattresses follow a different set of rules entirely, documented in our West Texas mattress disposal guide.
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