Getting Rid of Household Chemicals

 

Many household cleaning products, paints and lawn chemicals contain hazardous pollutants and should be disposed of carefully, not just in the trash, gutter or drain.

One way to ensure proper disposal of household chemicals is to take them to the Household Pollutant Collection Event on Saturday and Sunday, April 4 – 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Tulsa Fairgrounds near 15th Street and Yale Avenue. Enter the fairgrounds from 15th Street at Gate 7.

Items accepted at this Metropolitan Environmental Trust event, include: household cleaners, pesticides, fertilizers, automotive fluids, cooking oil, batteries, all fluorescent light bulbs, small ammunition, smoke alarms, aerosol paint, hobby paint, pool chemicals, items containing mercury and unused or out-of-date prescription medications.

Items NOT accepted at the event include latex paint, tires, computers, radioactive waste and commercial waste. To dispose of latex paint, remove the lid and let paint dry completely. Place cans of dry paint next to regular residential trash for pick up.

When transporting items to the collection event, be sure to:

• Wear gloves and use caution when handling substances.
• Place pollutants in the trunk or as far away from passengers as possible.
• Do not smoke while handling or transporting chemicals.
• Do not remove the materials from your car once you arrive at the collection facility. A worker will remove them for you.