Cedar Key residents, mark your calendars! The Cedar Key Annual Hurricane Prep & Hazardous Waste Day is returning on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon at City Hall. This event brings together local agencies, emergency management resources, and household hazardous waste disposal — all in one morning. Plus, there are free hotdogs and lemonade while supplies last.
Whether you're a longtime Cedar Key local or a newcomer to the island community, this event is one of the most practical and informative days of the year. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of it.
What Is Cedar Key's Hurricane Prep & Hazardous Waste Day?
This annual event is a dual-purpose community day hosted by the City of Cedar Key. It combines hurricane preparedness education with a household hazardous waste drop-off, giving residents a convenient, free opportunity to:
Get up-to-date information on emergency planning and flood zone maps
Safely dispose of hazardous materials that shouldn't go in regular trash
Connect with local agencies and community organizations
Sign up for emergency alert systems
The event is free and open to Cedar Key residents, though a re-entry pass is required to participate in the hazardous waste drop-off.
Hurricane Preparedness Resources at the Event
Living in Cedar Key means understanding the real risks that come with hurricane season. This event gives you direct access to representatives from local agencies and organizations, including:
City of Cedar Key
Cedar Key Fire & Rescue
Water & Sewer District
Levy County Emergency Management
Central Florida Electric
Levy County Health Department
Red Cross
Levy County Animal Control
Levy County Solid Waste
Waste Pro
Basic FIRM Map Information
Tri-County Resources
Another Way
Sign Up for Emergency Alerts
One of the most important steps any Cedar Key resident can take is registering for the Levy County Emergency Alert System at LevyDisaster.com. This system provides up-to-date information on impending emergencies and is essential during hurricane season.
Know Your Flood Zone
Representatives on-site will offer Basic FIRM Map Information — helping you find out whether your property falls within a mapped floodplain and is subject to flooding under the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). Knowing your flood risk is critical for making informed decisions about flood insurance and evacuation planning.
Get the Savvy Citizen App
The Savvy Citizen App lets Cedar Key residents receive local alerts, news, and event information directly on their phones. Sign up free at SavvyCitizenApp.com, or download it from the App Store or Google Play.
Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off: What You Need to Know
The second major component of the day is the Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off, managed by US Ecology Environmental Services, Inc.
⚠️ A Re-Entry Pass is REQUIRED to participate. This event is for Cedar Key residents only. No commercial or industrial hazardous waste will be accepted.
What to Bring
Bring unneeded household hazardous waste in sealed containers — in the original containers when possible. Accepted items include:
Oil-based paints
Stains, thinners, and strippers
Solvents and varnishes
Adhesives, glues, and resins
Waste fuels (kerosene, gasoline)
Engine degreaser and brake fluid
Transmission fluid
Poisons, insecticides, and weed killers
Wood preservatives
Hobby supplies and artist supplies
Photo chemicals and chemistry sets
Cleaners and spot removers
Swimming pool chemicals
Dry cell batteries
Aerosol cans
Pesticides
NiCad batteries
Hearing aid (button) batteries
Used motor oil
Propane tanks
Tires
Electronics
What NOT to Bring
The following items will not be accepted at this event:
Asbestos
Smoke detectors
Compressed gas cylinders
Ammunition, fireworks, or explosives
Commercial or industrial waste
Infectious and biological waste
Radioactive waste
Fire extinguishers
Safety Tips for Transporting Hazardous Waste
To ensure the safety of you, your family, and event workers, please follow these guidelines before arriving:
Tighten all caps and lids, keeping materials in their original labeled containers.
Pack containers in sturdy, upright boxes padded with newspaper.
Sort and pack separately — paint, pesticides, and household cleaners should not be mixed.
NEVER mix chemicals under any circumstances.
Go directly to the site once your vehicle is loaded, and do not smoke while handling hazardous materials.
Do not place waste in a garbage bag.
🧒 A note for families: Kids should never touch hazardous materials. Adults should handle all products and transport.
Why This Event Matters for Cedar Key Residents
Cedar Key sits on a barrier island on Florida's Gulf Coast, making it one of the communities most vulnerable to hurricanes, storm surge, and coastal flooding. Events like this one are more than just a community gathering — they're an essential part of staying safe and prepared.
By attending, you can:
Dispose of dangerous household chemicals safely before storm season, reducing fire and contamination risk during and after a storm
Learn your evacuation and flood zone status before you need that information in an emergency
Connect with your neighbors and local emergency responders who will be your support network during a disaster
Get signed up for alert systems so you're never caught off guard
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Free Hotdogs & Lemonade
No Cedar Key tradition would be complete without good food. Free hotdogs and lemonade will be available while supplies last, so come early and enjoy before their gone!
Event Details at a Glance
Detail | Info |
|---|---|
Date | Thursday, May 28, 2026 |
Time | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
Location | City Hall, 809 6th Street, Cedar Key, FL |
Cost | Free |
Re-Entry Pass | Required for hazardous waste drop-off |
Residents Only | Yes (for hazardous waste) |
Commercial Waste | Not accepted |
Contact | City of Cedar Key: 352-543-5132 |
More Information
For more information about the hazardous waste drop-off, contact the City of Cedar Key at 352-543-5132.
For emergency preparedness resources, visit LevyDisaster.com.
To sign up for local alerts and news, download the Savvy Citizen App at SavvyCitizenApp.com.
This article was written with the assistance of AI (Claude by Anthropic).