Spring cleaning on your "to do" list? The Kent County Department of Public Works reminds residents to separate hazardous materials and dispose of them at one of the four designated Hazardous Waste disposal sites in: Kentwood, Rockford, Northwest Grand Rapids or Wyoming.
Hazardous waste is accepted by appointment weekdays at any of the locations and on scheduled Saturdays. "We suggest making an appointment during the week," says Kathy Babins, Resource Recovery Specialist, Kent County Department of Public Works, "because there is no waiting in line. People can get through quickly. We get township and zip code information, look things over and you can be on your way."
Babins indicated the weekday appointments ensure each of the sites is adequately staffed.
"We don't take latex or water-based paint." says Babins. "It can easily be dried out by adding cat litter and then can be put in the regular trash. Conventional trash needs to be solid waste and not liquid. If it is liquid, then it gets compacted and can cause problems. For instance, when a can of paint gets compacted. You don't see it, but all of a sudden you see this leak coming out of the truck with a stripe down the road."
She cautions, "We ask that you keep things in their original containers and that they are labeled. This helps prevent fires and confusion. I've seen people come in with orange colored antifreeze in a Crush bottle. It looks like its drinkable, especially to kids, so it's a safety issue. If you put flammable liquids in a milk jug it will eat right through the plastic."
All incoming hazardous materials are sorted into designated drums and categorized. "We have hazardous waste contractors that we pay to haul away the material because our systems are not designed to handle this kind of waste. Things that are stored in a garage can be potential fire hazards. We want to protect our landfills and our water supplies."
Babins said long-range plans include the development of a County-wide medication disposal program.
ACCEPTED HAZARDOUS WASTE MATERIALS
Automotive
Antifreeze
Gasoline and other fuel
Carburetor cleaner
Motor oil
Fuel Additive
Starter fluid
Transmission and brake fluid
Wax & Cleaner
Other automotive fluids
Cleaning Products
Bleach (laundry)
Degreaser & Spot Remover
Drain cleaner
Oven cleaner
Polish & Wax
Toilet & drain cleaner
Tub, tile, shower cleaner
Wood and metal cleaners and polish
Ammonia
Other household cleaners
Miscellaneous
Indoor Pesticides
Insect spray
Flea repellent and shampoo
Houseplant fertilizer
Moth repellent
Mouse and rat poisons and baits
Other pesticides & fertilizers
Lawn and Garden Products
Fertilizer
Fungicide
Herbicide
Insecticide
Pesticide
Wood Preservative
Ant dust
Mosquito spray
Other lawn & garden products
Workshop /Painting Supplies
Oil-based paint & stain
Adhesive, caulking & glue
Deck, patio & chimney cleaner
Furniture stripper
Paint stripper and remover
Solvent cleaning fluid
Roof coating, sealant
Thinner and turpentine
Other Flammable Products
Diesel fuel
Gas/oil mix
Home heating oil (call to get details on size & quantity limits)
Kerosene
Lighter fluid
Propane tanks (small, non-refillable tanks only)
White gas
Other flammable products
Miscellaneous
Aerosol cans
Batteries
Fluorescent light bulbs, including CFL bulbs
Inks and Dyes
Mercury thermostats or thermometers
Photo developer chemicals
Pool chemicals
Fire Extinguishers
Materials that CANNOT be accepted
Friable asbestos - Call the local Michigan Department of Environmental Quality at (616) 356-0500 for proper removal guidelines and disposal requirements and regulations.
Barrels or large drums - nothing larger than a five-gallon container.
Explosives, ammunition, fireworks and flares - contact your local public safety agency (sheriff's department, police department, state police)
Materials from farms, businesses, offices, schools or institutions.
Smoke detectors and radioactive materials
Propane, helium & other tanks (refillable)
For a complete schedule and site locations:
http://www.accesskent.com/YourGovernment/PublicWorks/recycle_household.htm
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