Hazardous waste can soon be safely disposed of at hazardous waste collections sponsored by the county solid waste division.
Dates:
Orcas Island transfer station: Saturday, April 30 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Lopez Island transfer station: Sunday, May 1, noon to 3 p.m.
San Juan Island transfer station: Saturday, May 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hazardous waste includes chemical products that are flammable, toxic, corrosive, or reactive. Items appropriate for the collection are unwanted gasoline and other fuels, solvents, thinners, oil-based paints and stains, pesticides and other poisons, aerosols, adhesives, wood preservatives, mercury-bearing thermometers, cleaning products and fluorescent light tubes.
Households will be charged a minimum fee of $12 for up to 200 pounds of hazardous waste (the equivalent of about 25 gallons); quantities over that will cost an additional $.06/pound. Businesses must pre-register by calling 370-0503 and will be invoiced for their own disposal costs.
“In response to recent community surveys to export less waste to the mainland, we will be emphasizing re-use at each of these collections,” said hazardous waste coordinator Helen Venada. “Please sort out any of your items that you think someone else might find useful, labeled and in original containers, and don’t forget to “shop” at the collection events for just that something that you’re looking for! If you want to help with this effort, we’re looking for a few good volunteers at each site. Please call us to sign up!”
Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) are now collected for recycling at each island’s OPALCO office on an ongoing basis. Used motor oil, antifreeze, and vehicle batteries can be recycled at each island’s solid waste facility during regular open hours.
Waste latex paints should be solidified by mixing with cat litter or sawdust until no longer pourable, and disposed of with regular trash. Latex paints brought to county collections will cost $2/gallon more than other items.
“Thank you for your continued support and for your efforts to prevent contamination to our water, soils, and air while making your households and businesses safe from potentially hazardous materials,” said Venada.
