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Saturday, Sept. 22, the
Mid-Valley Market will host the first-ever household hazardous
waste collection event to be held in southern Hood River County.
The event will run from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
What is household
hazardous waste? If the product says “warning,” “caution,”
“danger” or “poison” on the label, that product can hurt people,
fish and wildlife if used or disposed of incorrectly.
You may be surprised at
the products in your home that have those words on their labels.
Never dispose of your household toxic trash down the sink, on
the ground, down a storm drain, in a burn pile or in your
garbage can. Instead, bring it to the event on Sept. 22!
What to bring:
Oil-based paints,
stains, thinners and solvents
Septic field/drain
cleaners, oven cleaners
Gasoline, kerosene and
other fuels
Pool and spa chemicals
Pesticides, herbicides,
fertilizers and poisons for home use.
Antifreeze and other
automotive fluids
Household cleaners,
disinfectants and other aerosols
Household batteries
Art and hobby chemicals
Propane tanks or bottles
from barbecue grills
Fluorescent lamps and
ballasts
Do not bring:
• Empty aerosol cans — Aerosol cans that are
not empty should be disposed of as household hazardous waste. If
they are empty you can put them in the trash.
• Latex paint, cans of dried paint and empty
containers — If you can’t find someone to use your leftover
latex paint, set the container in an out-of-the-way place, take
off the lid and let the paint fully dry out — or throw in some
kitty litter and stir to solidify it.
When the paint
is hard, discard the container in the garbage. Your garbage
hauler will accept these only if the lid is removed and the
paint is hard. Consider buying less next time. A larger size is
not cheaper if it mostly goes to waste.
• Motor oil — If you have curbside recycling
you can recycle oil at the curb. If you do not have curbside
service, you can take it to the recycling area at The Dalles
Disposal. Pour oil into an unbreakable, see-through container
with a screw-on lid (1-gallon milk jugs work well). Used oil
filters should be disposed of at the hazardous waste event.
How to transport hazardous products:
• Keep products in original containers when
possible. If a product does not have its original label, label
it yourself if you’re sure of the contents — DO NOT GUESS. This
will help us dispose of your materials safely.
• Don’t mix products together. Dangerous
reactions can occur when some materials are mixed.
• Make sure products are properly sealed to
prevent leaks and spills. If a container is leaking, secure it
in a secondary leak-proof container.
• Pack containers in sturdy boxes in the
trunk of your vehicle, away from driver, passengers and pets.
Cardboard boxes work well.
Containers and
boxes, including gasoline cans, cannot be returned to you, so
make sure you don’t need them for future use. Please do not put
items in plastic bags.
• Always store products in a secure place,
away from children, pets and heat, sparks or flames.
When you arrive at the
collection site:
Remain in your vehicle. A technician will
unload your materials and you’ll be on your way. And, please, no
smoking.
Tips for reducing Household Hazardous Waste:
• Read the label; if possible, buy a
less-harmful product.
• Only buy the amount you need; share
leftovers with someone who could reuse them, except pesticides.
Old pesticides lose their potency after two years and could
contain products that are now prohibited, such as DDT and
Kelthane.
For more information on
safer alternatives, visit
www.metroregion.org.
For questions or more information on The
Tri-County Hazardous Waste Program, call: (541) 506-2636.
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