Household hazardous waste collection event set for Sept. 13

Grand Coulee Dam area residents may dispose of household hazardous waste for free on Friday, Sept. 13 from 12 to 4 pm at the Delano Regional Transfer Station. Only hazardous waste generated by households will be accepted.

Hazardous products have labels with words such as warning, danger, caustic, flammable, and poison. These chemicals should be disposed of through hazardous waste collection opportunities, not in the garbage, down the drain, or on the ground.  

Examples include:  oil-based paint, contaminated motor oil, paint thinner, rechargeable batteries, lithium batteries, solvents, brake fluid, aerosols, spot removers, drain openers, insecticides, herbicides, pesticides, mercury-containing devices such as thermostats and thermometers, swimming pool chemicals, and hobby chemicals. Contaminated motor oil contains substances such as antifreeze, solvents, degreasers, paint, or brake fluid.

Residents and businesses may bring a maximum of 10 mercury-containing lights to the event. The types of lights accepted are Fluorescent Light Tubes, Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) and High Intensity Discharge Lights (HIDs). 

There are several items that will not be accepted at the event:  propane tanks, latex paint, uncontaminated motor oil, and used automotive batteries are not accepted because year-round collection sites are available in the area. Latex paint may be placed in the garbage after the paint is hardened and the lid is removed. Other items not accepted at the event include: empty containers, agricultural waste, commercial waste, explosives, ammunition, asbestos, radio-active material, unknown cylinders, Poison A gases, refrigerant compressors, leaking containers, elemental mercury, containers larger than 5 gallons, and white goods (appliances and televisions). Empty containers may be thrown away in the normal trash and will not be accepted at the event. Pesticide and herbicide containers must first be triple rinsed before throwing in the trash. 

Products should be brought in original labeled containers if possible. Pack the waste to prevent spills during transportation and keep the waste away from passenger compartments of vehicles. 

For more information, call Grant County Solid Waste at 754-6082.