SECOND ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY SET FOR MAY 5 IN SEASIDE

Are hidden dangers lurking in your home? Cleansers, pesticides and other chemicals make our lives more convenient, but they can also pose health risks. To help local residents get rid of unused or unneeded hazardous waste products in their homes, Clatsop County is hosting its second annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day, Saturday, May 5, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Seaside Public Works facility at 1387 Ave. U, Seaside. County residents can bring in a variety of toxic, flammable and other materials for disposal at no charge. The following items are examples of what will be accepted: · Bug, weed, pest killers · Poisons, cleaners, batteries · Paints, stains, thinners, solvents, wood preservatives · Car and boat fluids, gas, antifreeze · Mercury-containing thermometers, fluorescent light tubes, compact fluorescent bulbs · Toxic home arts, photography and hobby supplies The Collection Day is the product of the Clatsop County Household Hazardous Waste Program, a collaborative project between the county, cities, Western Oregon Waste (WOW) and other stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategy for reducing and properly disposing of residential hazardous waste. Each year the program hosts a waste collection event, alternating between the north and south county. The program is funded by a small surcharge on all solid waste going through WOW’s Transfer Station in Astoria. Clean Harbors Environmental Services, a national hazardous waste management company, is contracted to collect and properly dispose of the materials brought to the Collection Day events. Last year’s inaugural event in Warrenton collected more than 70,000 pounds of material, including 18,000 pounds of pesticides or poisons, 9,000 pounds of flammable liquids, 11,000 pounds of non-recyclable paint products and 1,200 pounds of fluorescent light bulbs containing mercury. The following materials will NOT be accepted at the May 5 event: · Medical waste, including syringes and other “sharps” · Medications · Explosives · Radioactive or asbestos material · Construction waste · Business waste* *A collection time for businesses that generate less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste a month, designated as Conditionally Exempt Generators (CEGs), will be held Friday, May 4 in Seaside by APPOINTMENT ONLY – no drop-ins will be accepted. For CEG registration call Clean Harbors Environmental Services at (503) 305-2158 or email ranf.alan@cleanharbors.com. Properly getting rid of common hazardous materials can reduce a variety of risks, according to Maureen Taylor, Household Hazardous Waste Program Coordinator. “Our mission is to provide a safe, easy way for residents to dispose of toxic dangerous products accumulating around their home,” she said. “We know this will decrease accidental poisoning and injuries to our children and pets, prevent unnecessary exposure to our waste haulers and fire fighters that come into contact with hazardous chemicals on the job, and decrease environmental damages that occur when people improperly discard hazardous wastes into the sewer, storm drains or on the ground.” Residents with material for the Collection Day event should keep the products in their original containers, secured with lids, and placed in boxes. For more information, go to “Household Hazardous Waste” at www.co.clatsop.or.us or call Clatsop County Public Health at (503) 325-8500.