Where do Southwest Harbor residents drop off recycling and household waste?

Residents use the EMR (Eastern Maine Recycling) transfer station, which follows single-sort recycling rules and hosts scheduled Universal Waste Days for household hazardous and universal waste.

What can I do with household hazardous waste in Southwest Harbor?

Household hazardous and universal waste is handled through the Acadia Disposal District, including scheduled Universal Waste Day collection events rather than regular curbside or transfer station disposal.

Town of Southwest Harbor · Environmental Workgroup

Solid Waste & Recycling Decision Guide

Not sure where something goes? This guide covers the most common items — from curbside recyclables to bulky furniture to hazardous waste — and tells you exactly where to take them.

Quick Reference

What to do with common items

Item	Where to take it	Notes
Regular bagged trash	EMR Transfer Station, Long Pond Rd, SWH	Fee-based; open Mon–Sat. [1] [2]
Mixed recyclables	EMR Transfer Station, Long Pond Rd, SWH	Single-sort recycling; follow posted rules. [2] [3]
Large/bulky items	EMR Transfer Station, Long Pond Rd, SWH	Furniture, carpet, etc. Not accepted in Bar Harbor; must go to EMR. Fees apply. [4] [5]
Batteries, waste oil, electronics	EMR Universal Waste Day or HHW/UW event	2nd Saturday each month at EMR, plus annual HHW collection day. [6] [7]
Oil-based paint, solvents	Regional HHW/UW event (MDI)	Accepted on HHW day; latex paint is often handled differently. [6] [7]
Donation & Reuse Options
Gently used clothing (MDI)	Serendipity, 36 Kennebec Pl, Bar Harbor	Donated clothing and shoes; supports Bar Harbor Food Pantry. [8] [9]
Clothing + shoes (Ellsworth)	Goodwill Ellsworth, Downeast Hwy	Gently used, clean, sellable only. [10] [11] [12]
Nice clothing for local causes	2nd to None; Turn-Style; Emmaus (Ellsworth)	Focus on good-condition items; supports local programs. [13] [14] [15]
Small household items	Serendipity; Goodwill; 2nd to None	Must be clean and usable; no broken or soiled items. [8] [13] [11]

Before You Go

Tips for a smooth drop-off

Check hours first

EMR Transfer Station is open Monday through Saturday. Hours vary by season.

Sort before you arrive

Separate recyclables from trash at home. Single-sort recycling means one bin, but follow the posted rules.

Donate with care

Thrift shops accept clean, usable items only. Broken or soiled items create disposal costs for nonprofits.

Never dump hazardous waste

Batteries, paint, solvents, and electronics require special handling. Wait for a HHW/UW event or 2nd Saturday at EMR.

Sources