Monroe County hazardous and e-waste collection supports Keys cleanup

Monroe County Solid Waste held its quarterly household hazardous and electronic waste collection on Jan. 12 at the county's designated drop-off sites, offering free disposal to Monroe County residents. The effort aims to keep corrosive, flammable, reactive and toxic materials out of local landfills and waterways, protecting the fragile ecosystems that define the Florida Keys.

County crews accepted a wide range of household hazardous waste commonly stored in garages, sheds and under sinks. Accepted items included paints, stains, strippers, wood preservatives, roof tar and patching compounds; adhesives, putty and caulk; auto and marine maintenance products; fiberglass and epoxy resins; solvents, hydraulic fluids, antifreeze and waste oil; corrosives such as muriatic acid and lye; pesticides, fertilizers and weed killers; drain cleaners and pool chemicals; fluorescent and CFL light bulbs; and mercury-containing waste such as thermometers. Electronic waste accepted included televisions, computers, laptops and old cell phones.

The county runs these collections from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bernstein Park on Stock Island, 6751 5th Street, and at the Marathon site, 10600 Aviation Boulevard. Monroe County also provides permanent disposal options at transfer stations: Cudjoe Key Transfer Station at MM 21.5 on Blimp Road, Long Key Transfer Station at MM 68, and the Key Largo facility at the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Homestead Avenue. In addition, the county operates a Give Back program and manages free compost distribution for residents.

Regular collections and transfer station access reduce the risk of illegal dumping and accidental contamination that can harm coral reefs, drinking water and public health. From a governance perspective, these services reflect a municipal commitment to environmental stewardship but also pose budgeting and logistics questions for county leaders. Maintaining convenient hours, ensuring equitable access for residents across the Keys and funding continuous hazardous waste handling and e-waste recycling are policy choices that will influence voter priorities in coming election cycles and shape how well coastal communities manage pollution risks.

For residents, the practical benefit is straightforward: safe, no-cost disposal of hazardous materials helps protect homes and the environment. For local officials, the recurring collections are an operational test of whether county systems meet the Keys' dispersed geography and seasonal population swings.

Household Hazardous & E-Waste 2025 collection schedule runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Marathon at 10600 Aviation Blvd on 4/11/26, 7/11/26, 10/10/26 and 1/9/27. Stock Island at Bernstein Park, 6751 5th Street, is scheduled for 2/7/26, 5/9/26, 8/8/26, 11/14/26 and 2/13/27.

The takeaway? Keep hazardous items out of storm drains and reef waters by using county collection days or the transfer stations at MM 21.5, MM 68 and Key Largo. Mark the dates, plan your drop-off during the 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. windows, and treat disposal like basic civic stewardship for the Keys. Our two cents? It’s a small effort with big payoff for local health, tourism and the environment.