HEC3 / Swap Shop

Household Electronics and Chemical Collection Center (HEC3):

Pinellas County Solid Waste operates the Household Electronics and Chemical Collection Center (HEC3) as a disposal location for certain household waste. Pinellas County residents are invited to bring their unwanted electronics and chemicals to the center (at no charge). Businesses, including non-profits and religious organizations, haulers, hobbyists, property managers and scavengers, visit here for information.

What to Bring:

• Electronics: Cell phones, computer towers/CPUs, drives (e.g. hard drives, CD drives), laptops, monitors, rechargeable batteries (remove from device, place device in garbage), smart phones, tablets, televisions (must be whole).
• Chemicals: Automotive fluids, batteries (household or vehicle), cleaners, cooking oil, fertilizers, fluorescent bulbs and other mercury-containing devices, fuels (e.g. gasoline, kerosene), fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, motor oil, paint (latex or oil), paint remover, paint thinner, pesticides, pool chemicals, rechargeable batteries (button or vehicle), smoke detectors, solvents, wood preservatives. Note: Alkaline batteries may be put in the garbage.

To find out how to get rid of other electronics, chemicals, and special wastes, review the A to Z Guide for Recycling and Disposal in Pinellas County.

Quantity Limits per vehicle:

• (6) Televisions (must be whole)
  
• (20) 1-gallon paint containers
  
• (5) 5-gallon containers of paint (all empty containers may be put in garbage)
  
• (5) Computers
  
• (12) Fluorescent bulbs
• (5) 5-gallon containers of automotive fuel, gasoline, or kerosene
  
• (1) 5-gallon container of automotive fluids & oil
  
  Customers with quantities in excess of the limits above, or with electronics stripped of precious metals, may be considered a business. Loads will be evaluated upon arrival. Visit the EnviroBusiness for more information.

How to Package and Transport Chemicals (to avoid mixing incompatible chemicals):

• Do NOT mix chemicals together.
• Keep products in original labeled containers, if possible.
• Place containers in cardboard boxes. Use crumpled newspaper to prevent breakage.
• Place leaky container in a clear plastic bag and transport in boxes with newspaper.
• Individual chemical containers need to be visible for examination by staff.
• Put boxes in the trunk or in the back of vehicle away from passengers.
• Cover battery terminals with heavy tape or place each battery in a plastic bag to prevent short circuits.

Swap Shop:

The Swap Shop, located at HEC3, offers used household products such as paint, cleaners, and automotive fluids FREE of charge to Pinellas County residents. One resident painted her entire house with paint she found at the Swap Shop! Despite the name, there is no need to swap. However, because items are free, availability can change by the minute! Quantities may be limited. Electronics are not included in the Swap Shop Program.

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