Time to clear out toxic wastes

It’s time to clean out the shed!

The Whatcom County Health Department is sponsoring a household hazardous waste collection event on Saturday, September 23 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the public works yard adjacent to the Johnson Road transfer station.

Operated by Stericycle under contract with the health department, the event allows the community to safely dispose and recycle hazardous materials.

“Help us in maintaining a healthy environment and safe community for all,” said Chris Teske with the waste management company.

Each household can drop off up to 55 gallons of waste from engine oil to car batteries. Oil-based paints and stains and associated solvents like acetone and paint thinner, garden chemicals and fertilizers, solvents, oil and antifreeze, cleaning products, aerosols, acids and bases, fluorescent tubes and lights, re-chargeable and lead-acid batteries, are all accepted.

Not accepted are business waste, biomedical waste, explosives and ammo, radioactive material, empty containers, asbestos, and waste in drums. Latex paint and other non-hazardous materials like alkaline batteries are also not eligible, but Stericycle staff will be on hand to tell you the right way to get rid of it.

Call the Disposal of Toxics Program for further details at 360/380-4640.