This video explains the event in great detail and it might make you crack a smile.
The Great Gardner Shredding Event is Saturday November 7, 2026 beginning at 9am at the Gardner Landfill, 744 West Street, Gardner.
Countdown to the Great Gardner Shredding Event
The countdown to the Great Gardner Shredding Event on November 7th is on. The 2026 Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection program in Gardner, sponsored by EL Harvey & Sons, provides a structured mechanism for residents to dispose of volatile or hazardous materials. The first session in June had no shred but the 2nd session scheduled for Saturday November 7th is an official shredding event. Operations are governed by strict volume limitations (50 gallons total, 5 gallons for gasoline) and safety protocols regarding material containment and transport. Please note: The collection events are localized at the Gardner Landfill at 744 West Street, Gardner and are restricted to Gardner residents.
Listen to the Chair Man and the Chair Lady explain the event particulars. CLICK PLAY.
No Registration is required prior to the event but identification is mandatory. Proof of residency must be presented at the site to gain entry. Vehicles are processed in the order of their arrival starting at 9:00 am.
Besides the availability of shredding services for your secret documents about outer space and time travel adventures, the day is designed to help you get rid of hazardous materials. However, the program distinguishes strictly between accepted hazardous materials and prohibited waste. A notable caveat exists for several common items that may be eligible for permanent collection at the local recycling center outside of these specific event dates.
Accepted Hazardous Household Products: The following materials are designated for collection during the 2026 events:
| Category | Specific Items |
|---|---|
| Automotive & Fuels | Antifreeze*, Automotive fluids, Car batteries*, Engine degreaser, Gasoline, Kerosene, Motor Oil* |
| Maintenance & Cleaning | Disinfectants, Drain cleaners, Metal polish, Muriatic acid, Septic tank cleaners, Toilet bowl cleaners, Spot removers/solvent |
| Pesticides & Chemicals | DDT, Flea killers, Herbicides, Insect pump spray, Moth balls, Pesticides, Rodent killers, Chemistry sets, Creosote |
| Paints & Finishes | Oil/marine/lead paint, hobby wood preservatives, stains, Varnishes, Furniture Polish |
| Miscellaneous | Art/photography supplies, Button batteries*, Dry gas, Fluorescent bulbs*, Lead acid batteries*, Rechargeable (Nickel-Cadmium) batteries*, Thermostats* |
*Note: Residents are encouraged to check with the recycling center as these specific items may be collected on a permanent basis.
Prohibited Materials: The following items are explicitly excluded from the collection program and will not be accepted:
- Hazardous/Safety Risks: Ammunition, Asbestos, Explosives, Propane tanks/cylinders, Radioactive smoke detectors, PCB’s (transformers/ballasts).
- Medical Waste: Medical or Infectious waste.
- Household/Cosmetic: Air fresheners/deodorizers, Cosmetics, Nail polish, Glass and window cleaner.
- General Maintenance: Alkaline/carbon zinc batteries, Car waxes/polishes, Empty containers, Fertilizer without pesticides, Latex products (e.g., driveway sealer), Oven cleaners, and scouring powder.
Operational Constraints and Safety Protocols: To maintain site safety and environmental compliance, the contractor (EL Harvey & Sons) enforces specific transport and volume regulations.
Volume Limitations
- Total Capacity: Maximum of 50 gallons of material per vehicle.
- Gasoline Restriction: Gasoline is limited to a maximum of 5 gallons per vehicle.
Residents must adhere to the following safety mandates when preparing materials for delivery:
- Containment: Materials must remain in their original containers.
- Chemical Stability: Different chemicals must never be mixed.
- Packaging: Materials should be packed in sturdy boxes; the use of bags for transport is prohibited.
- Site Safety: Smoking is strictly prohibited near the materials.
Contractor Authority: The site contractor reserves the final right to reject any material deemed unacceptable based on program guidelines or safety concerns.
