Santa Rosa County opens free hazmat disposal day Saturday in Gulf Breeze

Santa Rosa County residents can drop off household hazardous waste and old tires free of charge this Saturday, October 10, at the South Santa Rosa Service Center in Gulf Breeze. The event runs from 8 a.m. to noon at 5841 Gulf Breeze Parkway and lets residents dispose of materials that shouldn't go in regular trash without making the drive to the Central Landfill in Milton.

Accepted items include up to 10 car or truck tires per vehicle (no commercial or heavy-duty tires), five gallons each of antifreeze, gasoline, paint, solvents, and oil, batteries, propane bottles, pool chemicals, electronics like flat-screen TVs and computers, and fluorescent light bulbs. The county also accepts used sharps containers and will provide free replacements. Residents should bring a valid photo ID to prove Santa Rosa County residency.

Due to new state requirements, tire disposal now requires pre-registration. Residents can sign up online at SantaRosa.fl.gov/Tires or complete a form at the event. Small businesses and schools can also dispose of hazardous waste at a reduced rate by appointment; call (850) 981-7135 by noon the day before to schedule. The program is funded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in cooperation with Okaloosa County.