Hazardous Waste:

What Should I do with my Hazardous Products?

The best way to get rid of hazardous products is to use them up or give them away to someone who can. Since this is not always possible, the Stark-Tuscarawas-Wayne Joint Solid Waste Management District holds an annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection every year in the fall that provides residents the opportunity to turn in oil, paint, solvents, pesticides, automotive products, mercury, computers and other hazardous products for free.

DISPOSAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Antifreeze
Antifreeze can be disposed at the District's annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection.

Batteries
Alkaline batteries can be safely disposed in your trash. Batteries that should be recycled at our Hazardous Waste Collection include lead-acid batteries from engines and rechargeable batteries from cell phones, power tools, cordless phones and lap top computers. Lead-acid batteries can be turned in at many auto part stores. Rechargeable batteries can be turned in at many retail stores including Radio Shack, Target, Alltell, Sears, Staples, Lowes and many cell phone stores. For a list of rechargeable battery recycling locations visit the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation.

Drain Cleaner
The recommended way to dispose of drain cleaner is to use it up according to package directions. Never mix drain cleaner with bleach or ammonia since toxic fumes or an explosion could occur.

Gasoline and Kerosene
These fuels can be disposed at the District's annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection or can be reconditioned and used up. These fuels, even if they are old or contain oil or water, can be used after being "reconditioned". Note: When mixing fuels for a lawn mower or snow blower be sure to only mix what you need. At the end of the season, allow the engine to run dry to use up any remaining fuel.

Household Cleaning Products
These products should be used up or given to someone who can. Household cleaners can still be used even if they are several years old. Most water soluble cleaning products can be safely disposed down the drain with running water. Do not mix products. Aerosol products can be disposed by turning the can upside down and then depressing the nozzle to release the propellant. Do this outdoors. Dispose the container in the trash.

Oven Cleaner
Oven cleaner is caustic material that should be used up according to package directions or it can be disposed at our annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection.

Mercury
Liquid mercury and items that contain mercury such as thermometers, thermostats and switches should be disposed through our annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection. For more information on mercury check out the Agency for Toxic Substances.

Motor Oil
Used motor oil can be recycled at many service stations.

Paint
The best option is to use up paint for its not it's intended purpose. If the paint is too old to use then you can secure your latex or oil paints for the District's annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection. Make sure to follow these guidelines when securing your paint:

• Keep in original container
• If container is leaking, wrap in heavy-duty plastic bags & place in a box with cat litter to contain any small leaks- Label new box with contents and date
• Store away from children and pets

You can also solidify your unusable paint. Depending on the type and quantity of paint, this procedure of drying out paint can be lengthy and may take up to several days or weeks.

1. Find a well-ventilated area that is protected from children and pets.
2. For small quantities (less than 1 inch), remove the lid and allow liquids to evaporate. (Make sure proper ventilation) Do not smoke near cans and avoid contact with the liquid or inhaling vapors.
3. For quantities greater than 1 inch left in container (latex only), you can add cat litter or sawdust to absorb the paint. Make sure to stir the mixture to allow air to flow through.
4. When completely dry, discard with the regular trash. With cans, leave the lids off so the trash company can see that the paint is hardened.
   
   NOTE: Small quantities of paint and aerosol cans can also be painted on cardboard or newspaper to use up.

Pesticides/Herbicides
The best way to dispose of these products is to use them up according to label directions unless the products contain banned ingredients like DDT or Chlordane. If is it not possible to use up the products then safely store them for the District's annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection.

Syringes and Hypodermic Needles
Seal in an empty plastic pop bottle and label 'household syringes'. Discard in trash. DO NOT recycle.

Turpentine/Paint Removers/Solvents
Unwanted solvents should be saved for the District's annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection. Solvents can also be reused until they have been used up without losing their effectiveness but they may need to be filtered first. To do so, pour the product through a coffee filter over a glass jar. Paint and other sludge particles will be trapped in the filter. Wrap the filter in newspaper and dispose in the trash. Store the clean solvent in a sealed and labeled glass jar.

Wood Stains and Sealers
Use up, give to a friend or save for an upcoming Household Hazardous Waste Collection.

Tips For Safe Handling of Hazardous Household Products

• Buy only what you need.
• Follow label directions and use only what is needed for the job. Twice as much does not mean twice the results.
• Wear gloves and protective clothing to prevent skin contact.
• Use products in well ventilated areas.
• Do not mix products. Doing so can cause dangerous chemical reactions or an explosion.
• Avoid aerosol products. Aerosols disperse the substance in tint droplets that can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
• Store products in their original container in well-ventilated areas.