Lead is a heavy metal that is toxic if swallowed or inhaled. It is especially dangerous for young children—even small amounts can cause learning and developmental problems. Lead is commonly found in older homes and many household products.
Lead May be Present in
- Cookware and dishes, especially old or imported ceramic items
- Toys, especially older or imported ones made of plastic or painted yellow or orange (lead chromate is more common in these colors, though some blues, greens, and purples may contain more lead)
- Spices and candy such as turmeric, chili powder, and tamarind
- Cosmetics, such as Kohl and Surma
- Hobby supplies like stained glass, fishing sinkers, or old paint
Items containing lead should never be placed in your regular trash or recycling bins, as lead can contaminate landfills and pose health risks to workers and the environment. Instead, they should be handled through your local Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) program, which provides safe, environmentally responsible ways to dispose of harmful household materials. HHW programs typically accept items like batteries, paints, solvents, and lead-containing goods at designated drop-off sites or collection events.
Before You Dispose of it
- Check the label for words like Danger, Poison, Toxic, or hazard symbols
- Keep items in original containers with labels, or use sealed, clearly labeled bags or containers.
- Do not pour liquids down the drain if they may contain lead—such as paint water, hobby solvents, or food cooked in lead-glazed ceramic pots
- Store items in a cool, dry place out of reach of children and pets until disposal
How to Dispose of Lead-Based Items in Nevada
Southern Nevada
Clark County residents may place up to 2 gallons of HHW in sealed containers for curbside pickup. Many auto shops and gas stations also accept limited quantities. A downloadable calendar with drop-off dates and locations is available at the bottom of the Republic Services – Southern Nevada webpage.
- Phone: (702) 735-5151
- Website: Republic Services – Southern Nevada
- Additional Information: Las Vegas Stormwater – HHW
Northern Nevada
- Phone: (775) 329-8822
- Website: Waste Management – Reno
Rural Counties
- Search by zip code at Nevada Recycles
Business and Large Quantity Disposal
Businesses must follow different disposal rules and cannot use residential HHW services. For help with disposing of lead-based or other hazardous materials, contact Republic Services or visit their business services page to set up proper disposal.
- Phone: (702) 735-5151
- Website: Republic Services – Business and Environmental Services
- Additional Information: Nevada Division of Environmental Protection
Small Business Assistance
- Phone: 1- (800) 882-3233
- Website: Nevada Business Environmental Program (BEP)
Important Note
While this bulletin focuses on lead-based household items, it’s important to know that lead can also be found in paint, soil, and plumbing, especially in homes built before 1978. These materials should never be removed or disturbed without professional help. Improper handling can increase the risk of lead exposure (CDC).To learn more about identifying lead-containing products, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).