Rock County Clean Sweep

• Rock County residents:
  • Advance registration required. Call 608-754-6617 ext. 3 or ext. 4757.  Thank you!  This helps us plan the event.  
  • Rates apply, see "Rates for Rock County Residents" section.
  • Brochures to print OR scroll through sections  
    • Clean Sweep Home & Farm
    • Recycling
    • Household chemical Guide
• Wisconsin businesses, schools, governments, and organizations
  • Same events, different rates.  See "Business" section for details.
  • Brochure

2024 drop-offs (advance registration required):

• Saturday, August 24, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Rock County Public Works garage, 3715 N Newville Rd, Janesville

Questions - 608-754-6617 x3

Dane County Clean Sweep (year-round service)

• Accepts hazardous waste from non-Dane County residents and businesses.
  • Separate rates and conditions apply
  • Rock County discounts do not apply
• Not affiliated with Rock County Clean Sweep 

All other counties in Wisconsin

Check with your county or municipal solid waste service in Wisconsin or Illinois about Clean Sweep for hazardous chemicals and related services. 

The following is GENERAL guidance.  For specific materials and disposal, see  "What we accept / do not accept".  If you are not sure, please call us at 608-754-6617 ext. 3. 

NOT ACCEPTED at all:

• High pressure cylinders
• Propane cylinders
• Freon gases
• Infectious and biological wastes
• Sharps
• Explosives (detonators, blasting caps, ammunition)
• Radioactive chemicals/devices
  

Generally UNACCEPTED items:

• Most water-based materials.  Look for:
  • Clean up with soap and water
  • Instructions for use on label include dilute/mix with water
  • Sold for normal residential use to clean sinks, drains, or toilets and/or labeled as "septic-safe" 
  • Amount is normal for household.
• Recyclables.  Check with your solid waste hauler and see our recycling section. 
• Empty pesticide containers. See "Pesticide Containers" section.

Generally ACCEPTED chemicals:

• Solvents/thinners
• Oil-based chemicals (solvent clean-up)
• Pesticides, fungicides, rodenticides, herbicides
• Mercury
• Contaminated/mixed vehicle fluids
• Industrial grade formulations/concentrations
• Unknown chemicals

NOT ACCEPTED - High pressure cylinders, propane cylinders, Freon gases, infectious/biological wastes, sharps, explosives (detonators, blasting caps, ammunition), radioactive chemicals/devices.

NOT ACCEPTED (**see table below for options) - latex paint (see "paint" **), recyclables, batteries**, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, materials that clean up with water, household chemicals made to be mixed with water (**by type), electronics, fertilizers** with no pesticides.  

 Key: CS = Clean Sweep; D = safe for home drains on septic or city sewer if diluted with lots of water; T = Trash; R = local recycling, see Clean Sweep recycling flier or check with your solid waste service; R$ = recycling for a small fee;

Material	Disposal	Note
Acetone	CS
Aerosol cans (all)	CS	Propellants are organic solvents and not always listed as ingredients. If possible, choose a pump spray or non-aerosol.
Ammonia (household strength)	D	DO NOT MIX WITH OTHER CHEMICALS. Use up any leftover ammonia in laundry to remove mildew, pet, sweat odors (1 cup/regular load + non-bleach detergent - read labels). Mix with water to clean greasy windows.
Ammonia-based cleaners	D	Use for cleaning if possible. DO NOT MIX WITH OTHER CHEMICALS.
Antifreeze (all engine coolants, ethylene glycol)	R, CS*	Can be recycled if not mixed with other used vehicle fluids. Limited volume accepted at Clean Sweep. Extremely poisonous.
Antifreeze (winterizing, propylene glycol)	D	Safe for septic systems and city sewer in normal household quantities. Typically pink.
Asbestos	*	Contact landfill, 608-755-3105.
Auto body filler	T*, CS	Mix resin and hardener, trash when solid. If not possible, then Clean Sweep.
Automobile oil	R	Do not mix with any other fluids.
Batteries, alkaline	T,R$	Do not stockpile old batteries.
Batteries, rechargeable, lithium ion, Ni-Cd, lead acid, vehicle/engine	R	Can be recycled for free at select local businesses. Rechargeable electronics can be recycled intact as electronic waste (‘e-waste’).
Battery acid	CS
Bleach	D	Replace with borax for all colors. Do not mix with ammonia cleaners.
Brake fluid	R, CS
Car wax (solvent-based)	CS
Caulk, glaze, putty, mortar, plaster, cement	T	Harden and trash.
Contact cement	CS, T*	If hardened, trash. Otherwise to Clean Sweep.
Cosmetics	T
Diesel (vehicle fuel)	CS	Short shelf life, some vehicle diesel starts breaking down within a month. Buy only what you will use in short-term.
Disinfectants	CS, D*	Save for Clean Sweep if: label says "germ proof", it contains chlorophenol; product is old; it’s for industrial or commercial use; it’s a large amount. If it is a recently purchased household product, okay for small amounts to go down household drain with lots of water.
Drain cleaner (liquid)	D	Use long pipe brush or vinegar and baking soda. Install hair screen. Make sure clog is not a solid object.
Drain opener (crystals)	CS	Only a few ounces can crash a septic system. Avoid using if connected to septic system. First try to break up clog with plunger, long pipe brush/snake, vinegar + baking soda, or liquid drain opener. Determine if clog is a solid object.
Driveway sealer	CS	Avoid coal tar (hazardous run-off). Look for low-solvent formula.
Fertilizer (no pesticides)	T	Don't stock up on fertilizer - it can turn into a solid block if not used right away.
Fertilizer (with pesticides)	CS	Place in clear plastic bag if possible. Don't stock up on fertilizer - it can turn into a solid block if not used up right away.
Fiberglass epoxy	T*, CS	Mix resin and hardener, trash when solid. If not possible, bring to Clean Sweep.
Floor cleaner (solvent-based)	CS	Switch to non-solvent cleaner.
Fluorescent lamps/bulbs	R, R$	If fluorescent bulbs keep burning out, dimmers/other switches and the quality of the bulb might be factors. Switch to LED.
Fluorescent ballasts	R$	See recycling list. If from 1979 or earlier, might contain PCBs.
Fuel oil	R	Contact fuel oil dealer about pumping old tanks.
Gasoline	CS	Only buy as much as will be used right away. Extremely flammable and short shelf-life (about 3 months).
Gasoline/oil mixes	CS
Glue (solvent-based)	CS, T*	Clean Sweep if not able to harden product. Hardened product can go in trash.
Glue (water-based)	T	Harden then trash.
Herbicides, fungicides	CS	Buy a little to see if it works, then buy only what you will use right away. Look at less toxic chemicals or biological/physical measures. Do not recycle pesticide containers.
Household cleaners (solvent based)	CS	All aerosol sprays use organic solvents as propellants. Try less hazardous products or non-aerosol sprays first.
Joint compound	T
Kerosene	CS	Short shelf life (a few months if opened/seal broken).
Lighter fluid	CS
Lotions, perfume, shave cream	D, T
Mercury, thermometers, thermostats, etc.	CS	Leave devices intact. Seal in sturdy clear plastic containers and label as 'mercury'. Replace with digital thermometers/thermostats.
Mothballs	CS	Use up if possible. Use cedar if possible.
Nail polish (liquid) and remover	CS	Solidified nail polish can go in trash.
Oven cleaner	CS	Switch to non-hazardous cleaners or prevention.
Paint strippers	CS	Look at less hazardous method.
Paint (liquid), artist & hobby	CS*, T	Save for Clean Sweep (heavy metals): antimony white; barium yellow; burnt umber; cadmium yellow, orange, and red; chrome yellow, orange, and green; cobalt violet; emerald green or Paris green; flake white; mixed white or lead white; lemon yellow; manganese blue and violet; molybdate orange; Naples yellow; Thalo blue and green; raw umber; Scheele’s green; strontium yellow; vermillion; zinc yellow.
Paint thinners	CS	Settle out solids, pour off clear liquid and seal tightly for reuse. Harden solids and trash. Switch to latex paint if possible.
Paint, auto, marine, equipment	CS	Can contain metals or other toxic ingredients.
Paint, enamel (water clean-up)	R$, T	Recycle at select hardware stores or harden then trash with lids off. Use kitty litter, Oil-Dri/spill absorbents, air dry, or faster-acting paint hardener.
Paint, enamel (oil-based, solvent clean-up)	CS	Liquid to Clean Sweep. If solid, then trash, lids off. Cannot harden like latex paint.
Paint, latex	R$, T	Recycle at select hardware stores or harden then trash with lids off. Use kitty litter, Oil-Dri/spill absorbents, air dry, or faster-acting paint hardener.
Paint, oil-based	CS, T*	Liquid to Clean Sweep. If solid, then trash, lids off. Cannot harden like latex paint.
Parts cleaner (solvent-based)	CS	Switch to less hazardous detergent-based cleaner.
Permanent wave solution	D
Pesticides	CS	Look at less toxic chemicals or biological/physical measures. “Directory of Least-Toxic Pest Control Products”
Photographic chemicals	CS
Polish - furniture, floor	CS, T*	If a small amount is left, air dry in non-living space, trash when solid. Switch to water-based with citrus.
Pool chemicals	CS
Power steering fluid	CS
Rat poison	CS	Traps, cat
Rust remover	CS	Switch to less toxic removers and methods.
Shellac	CS
Solvent-based cleaners	CS	Switch to water-based products or detergent-based.
Spot remover	CS	Use up if possible.
Stain	CS, T*	Liquid to Clean Sweep or use paint hardener then trash when solid (kitty litter and other absorbents do not harden stains).
Stump remover	CS	Use non-chemical removal if possible.
Toilet, tub, tile cleaners	D	Use up. DO NOT mix with other chemicals.
Transmission fluid	R, CS
Turpentine	CS
Varnish	T*, CS	Trash if hardened, Clean Sweep if still liquid.
Window cleaner (non-auto)	D	Switch to vinegar + water for windows, ammonia + water for greasy windows.
Windshield washer solution	CS	Use up or share if possible otherwise Clean Sweep.
Wood filler	T*, CS	Trash if hardened, Clean Sweep if still workable.
Wood preservative	CS	Penta products are extremely hazardous. Wear protective clothing, wrap completely in plastic.

Year-round disposal options for household quantities:

Recycle brochure with local options

Paint and stain For latex, water-based, clean-up with water only. Make solid. Stir in one part absorbent material like cat litter, vermiculite, or Oil-Dri to one part paint.  For large amounts, line a box with plastic sheeting, pour in one inch of paint then one inch of absorbent.  If not getting solid, mix in more absorbent. 24-hr hardeners available at hardware stores. When solid, put open containers in trash. 

Enamel paint Some newer enamel paints are water-based.  Check label.  If paint can be thinned with water or cleaned up with water, then make solid then put in trash.  If solvents or thinners are needed for clean up, it is oil-based and save for Clean Sweep. 

Paint recycling - Ace Hardware in Janesville and Beloit accepts liquid latex and oil-based paint in good condition Small fee per gallon. Call ahead.

Rechargeable batteries.  Free drop-off recycling, and safe storage tips 

Vehicle batteries (lead-acid) - take to any vehicle battery retailer. Wisconsin lead-acid vehicle battery information 

Used motor oil, oil filters - Often free, volume limits apply.  Check with your solid waste service and major auto repair service centers.  

Electronics/computers.  Check with your solid waste/recycling service, WDNR e-waste website, and major electronics retailers (search retailer or brand name and "recycling").  Fees vary by recycler and item. 

Fluorescent lamps.  There are a few small quantity recycling programs at area hardware stores.  Small fee may apply.  For more than a few bulbs, compare pre-paid mail-back programs at Lamp Recycle.  Bulk service may be available by advance arrangement at Rock County Clean Sweep events.  Fees apply.  

Fire extinguishers - call local fire safety suppliers.

Any Wisconsin business, school or agency that generates under 220 pounds of hazardous waste in a month and stores less than 2,205 pounds of hazardous waste in a year may be eligible as a VSQG (Very Small Quantity Generator) to use a Clean Sweep drop-off site for the cost of disposal only - no vendor mobilization costs. Rock County Clean Sweep is not affiliated with Dane County Clean Sweep, programs may vary.

For free, no-obligation assistance or questions, contact:

To use Rock County service: 

• REQUEST A QUOTE or call our hazardous waste contractor at 262-875-7014.
• Deadlines for free quotes are one week prior to drop-off event.  
• For 2024, receive up to 50% off disposal cost of agricultural chemicals.  Advance registration required with inventory.  Disposal cost must be paid in full in order to receive reimbursement.  Reimbursement may not be paid right away due to grant timeline.  If you have questions, please call 608-754-6617 x4758. 
• When & where:

• Next drop-offs tentatively scheduled for June and August 2024.

To use Dane County Business Clean Sweep (open year-round) located at I90/39 and Hwy 12/18 East (southeast side of Madison):

• Appointments required. See website for details.
• Disposal fees apply.  Free quotes available.
• Ag chemical discount does not apply for Rock County farms or businesses that use Dane County service.

Empty pesticide containers

Growers and commercial applicators:

Free pick-up of empty and rinsed ag chemical jugs and barrels 55-gallons.  Free or low-cost service for IBCs, and shuttles. G. Phillips & Sons, Midwest vendor for Ag Container Recycling Council:

• Jugs and barrels - 248-961-3360, sbruinsma@gphillipsandsons.com
• IBC and shuttles - 678-232-6047, tharding@gphillipsandsons.com

Households: 

PESTICIDE CONTAINERS that are empty or almost empty . . .

1. Wear protective equipment and pour excess pesticide into the sprayer.
2. Fill pesticide container ¼ full of clean water, replace cap and shake container for 30 seconds. Pour rinse water into sprayer.
3. Repeat two additional times, shaking container in different directions.
4. Carefully rinse the outside of the container and the cap over the sprayer (or bucket) to catch rinse water.
5. Dispose of the cap as regular household waste and dispose of or recycle containers in trash.
6. Apply the diluted rinse material according to label directions.

State Pesticide Programs (DATCP - Bureau of Agrichemical Management)

Do you know that most of the materials brought to Clean Sweep are less than 10 years old?

Many are ruined from age, improper storage, and/or failing containers. 

Buying, Storage, & Safety Tips

• Look at less hazardous alternatives - Safer Choice labeled products listing for home and car care.
• Read labels before buying for warnings.
• Buy only what will be used up right away. Disposal of unused product may be difficult.
• Stabilize new gasoline used in seasonal equipment.  Monitor your supply for freshness.
• Protect your eyes, lungs, and skin since they are hard to repair or replace. 
• Storage. 
  • Avoid extreme heat, freezing, dampness. 
  • Properly seal containers.
  • Keep out of reach of children.
• Do not mix chemicals.
• Never pour hazardous chemicals down the drain unless the label states that the product is made to go down drains. See 'Chemical list & disposal' section.
• Large amounts of hazardous waste can be costly and time-consuming to get rid of responsibly.
  • Recycle or responsibly dispose of wastes on a regular basis.
• Place fragile packages in separate containers and label “Hazardous!”Use clear bags.

 

Without the support from the community, this program would not be possible. 

• City of Beloit
• City of Edgerton
• City of Janesville
• City of Milton
• Town of Bradford
• Town of Fulton
• Town of La Prairie

• Town of Beloit
• Town of Center
• Town of Harmony
• Town of Janesville
• Town of Rock
• Town of Turtle
• Rock County

(2022)