Town of Southwest Harbor · Transfer Station
EMR Transfer Station
Hours, location, fees, and the Universal Waste Day calendar for the Eastern Maine Recycling Transfer Station on Long Pond Road.
Hours
| Monday – Friday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Legal Holidays | Closed |
Location & Contact
EMR Office: 28 Main Street, SWH
Office hours: Mon–Fri 9 AM – 3 PM
Office phone: (207) 244-9033
Fees
Trash disposal is fee-based. Fees are assessed by load at the gate.
Recycling is accepted at no additional charge when materials follow posted sorting rules.
Bulky items (furniture, carpet, mattresses, etc.) incur additional fees.
Contact EMR at (207) 244-4347 for current fee details. The town pays approximately $175/ton in tipping and facility fees.
Monthly Collection
Universal Waste Day Calendar — 2026
Universal Waste is accepted at the EMR Transfer Station on the 2nd Saturday of each month, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Bring batteries, fluorescent bulbs, electronics, waste oil, and other hazardous household items.
Accepted on Universal Waste Day
- Batteries (all types)
- Fluorescent bulbs & tubes
- Electronics (TVs, computers, etc.)
- Waste oil & antifreeze
- Mercury thermostats & thermometers
- Aerosol cans
HHW — Annual Collection Only
- Oil-based paint & stains
- Solvents & thinners
- Pesticides & herbicides
- Pool chemicals
- Gasoline & kerosene
- Propane tanks
The annual HHW/UW event is typically held in September at MDI High School. Check Acadia Disposal District for the next date.
Recycling at EMR
Single-sort recycling rules
Accepted (loose, not bagged)
- Paper & cardboard (flattened)
- Plastic bottles & jugs (rinsed)
- Aluminum & tin cans (rinsed)
- Newspaper & magazines
- Mixed paper & mail
Not accepted in recycling
- Glass bottles & jars
- Plastic bags & wrap
- Styrofoam
- Food-soiled containers
- Bagged recyclables (must be loose)
Contamination costs everyone. Loads with unacceptable or soiled materials may be rejected and charged the $110/ton tipping fee as trash. When in doubt, throw it out.