Submitted By: Thurston County Solid Waste
Most of us don’t realize how many hazardous materials we have stored at home in the form of paints, cleaners, automotive fluids, or garden products. Just look for words such as “Caution,” “Warning,” “Danger,” and “Poison” on the label. They are considered toxic because they can be flammable, corrosive, reactive or toxic.
It’s a good idea to get rid of these things if you don’t plan on using them again, but make sure you do it the right way. The top four methods of improper and illegal disposal you don’t want to be a part of are: place it in the trash, dump it down the storm drain, pour it out on the ground, or pour it down a household drain. All of these activities are extremely harmful to our environment and health and can also earn you a hefty fine. So what should you do with your unwanted products? Thurston County is here to help.
The annual spring WasteMobile Collection Event for Thurston County residents will be held in Yelm on Saturday, April 30th and Sunday May 1st from 10:00-4:00 both days. The location is the Yelm Middle School parking lot at 402 Yelm Avenue West.
Items accepted at the event include: oil-based paint; stains; adhesives; thinners; solvents; all types of batteries; automotive fluids; oil filters; garden, pool, cleaning and hobby chemicals; fluorescent light bulbs and tubes; and propane cylinders.
Items NOT accepted include: electronics; business or medical wastes; latex paint; explosives; ammunition; smoke detectors; radioactive materials; garbage; empty containers; appliances; or yard waste. Containers must be 5 gallons or smaller.
If those dates don’t work for you, remember that Hazohouse accepts hazardous wastes year round. The hazardous waste collection facility, located at the Thurston County Waste and Recovery Center, is open every week from Friday through Tuesday from 8-5. The address is 2418 Hogum Bay Road NE. The staff is friendly and fast and the site also offers a Swap Shop for residents to pick-up good, usable, and FREE household products. The services are free to all Thurston County residential customers. Eligible businesses may also use the HazoHouse for a nominal charge.
Latex paint is no longer accepted at HazoHouse or the WasteMobile events unless it was manufactured before 1989, since these older paints may contain lead or mercury. Latex can be solidified by mixing with kitty litter, sand, mulch or shredded paper and placed in the trash. Remove the lids so your trash hauler knows it is solidified because liquid or soft paint will be left as unacceptable.
For more information on recycling events and services, contact Thurston County Solid Waste at (360) 867-2491, go to www.ThurstonSolidWaste.org or join us on Facebook.
