POCATELLO, Idaho — Bannock County is kicking off its popular Household Hazardous Waste Days program this month, offering residents a free and convenient way to safely dispose of harmful chemicals while protecting one of the region’s most vital natural resources — the Lower Portneuf Valley Aquifer.
The program, which runs monthly from April through October at the Fort Hall Mine Landfill in Pocatello, gives county residents a responsible outlet for paints, used oil, pesticides, and other household chemicals that should never be dumped in ordinary trash or poured down drains. Events are held on the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents should note there will be no event in July, as the holiday falls on the first Saturday that month.
The initiative reflects a commonsense, community-driven approach to environmental stewardship — one that relies on resident participation rather than burdensome government mandates, and keeps the cost to taxpayers at zero by offering the service free of charge.
Program Results Demonstrate Strong Community Participation
Last year’s results underscore just how much Bannock County residents value the program. In 2025, participants helped divert 60,000 pounds of hazardous waste from improper disposal — including 4,000 gallons of used oil and 4,500 pounds of pesticides. All collected materials are recycled, repurposed, or safely disposed of through approved methods.
Bannock County officials emphasized that keeping these materials out of the waste stream is essential to protecting the Lower Portneuf Valley Aquifer, which serves as a critical source of drinking water for communities throughout the region. Improper disposal of household chemicals poses a direct threat to groundwater quality, making programs like this one an important line of defense for public health.
Residents can find a complete list of accepted materials by visiting bannockcounty.gov/landfill and clicking the “Household Hazardous Waste” tab. The Fort Hall Mine Landfill is the designated drop-off location for all events.
Additional Free Programs Scheduled Throughout the Year
Beyond the hazardous waste collection days, Bannock County is expanding its suite of free services for residents in 2026 with two additional programs.
Annual Free Days at the Fort Hall Mine Landfill will waive all landfill fees for Bannock County residents on three dates this year:
Saturday, May 16 | Saturday, July 18 | Saturday, October 17
These Free Days give residents the opportunity to haul bulkier waste items to the landfill without facing standard disposal fees — a practical benefit for homeowners looking to clean up their properties heading into summer and fall.
Bannock County is also partnering with communities in the southern portion of the county to offer Free Dumpster Days. The program is being coordinated with the cities of Arimo, Downey, Lava Hot Springs, and McCammon, and is made possible with support from PSI Waste Systems. Residents in those communities should contact their local city hall for specific dates and details. Bannock County residents have found other community-related county programs increasingly important as local government looks for practical ways to serve the public efficiently.
Full details on all programs are available at bannockcounty.gov/landfill.
What Comes Next
The first Household Hazardous Waste Day of 2026 is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fort Hall Mine Landfill in Pocatello. Subsequent events will take place on the first Saturday of each month through October, with the exception of July.
Bannock County residents with questions about accepted materials or program details are encouraged to visit bannockcounty.gov/landfill or contact their local city hall for Free Dumpster Day information specific to Arimo, Downey, Lava Hot Springs, and McCammon.
For ongoing coverage of Bannock County government programs and community news, visit Idaho News for statewide updates and IdahoNewsNetwork.com for news from across the region.