The Woodlands Township is preparing its first-ever free household hazardous waste collection event, giving residents a way to safely get rid of old paint, chemicals, motor oil and other materials that can't go in the regular trash.

The drive-thru event is set for Saturday, Nov. 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sterling Ridge Park & Ride, 8001 McBeth Way. The Township is planning for up to 800 vehicles, according to bid documents published Monday, Aug. 10.

Residents won't even need to get out of their cars. Staff and volunteers will unload items directly from trunks and back seats in a full-service setup.

What you can bring

The accepted list covers a wide range of common household hazards: latex and oil-based paint, motor oil and filters, aerosol cans, antifreeze, drain cleaners, pool chemicals, propane tanks (1-lb. and 20-lb. only), fire extinguishers, pest killers, weed killers, chemical fertilizers, mercury thermometers, reactives such as bleach and ammonia, and certain lightbulbs (CFL, fluorescent and HID only, intact, no tubes over 4 feet).

Explosives, ammunition, radioactive material, medical waste, unknown compressed-gas cylinders and PCB-containing material will not be accepted. No business waste allowed.

A first for The Woodlands

The Township stated in its Aug. 10 bid addendum, responding to a contractor question, that no vendor has previously provided this service. The event is funded by a grant from the Houston-Galveston Area Council, according to a Woodlands Online listing for the event.

Grace DeCarlo, the Township's environmental education coordinator, is the point of contact for the procurement. Bids from contractors are due Friday, Aug. 21, and the Township has said it will work with the winning bidder to publish a final list of unaccepted items before the event.

What residents should know

If weather or other issues force a cancellation, the backup date is Saturday, Dec. 5, at the same location. The Township said it would notify residents by 6 a.m. on Nov. 21, with efforts to post notice by Friday, Nov. 20.

Township staff, police officers and volunteers will manage traffic flow through the parking lot. Residents are asked to bag or box similar items together and place them securely in their vehicle before arriving.

Registration details and the contractor award have not yet been announced. Residents can check the Township's bid page and social media channels for updates.