Clear out that hazardous waste

The Whatcom County Health Department is sponsoring another Household Hazardous Waste collection event for the residents of Point Roberts.

This year’s event will be held on Saturday, September 23 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the public works yard adjacent to the Point Roberts Transfer Station at 2005 Johnson Road.

The event is organized to assist the local community with proper disposal and recycling of household-generated hazardous waste. This includes materials such as gasoline, oil and other vehicle fluids, as well as household cleaners, garden chemicals and aerosols.

The program will also accept oil-based paints and solvents, fluorescent and other mercury-containing lights and equipment, batteries and all acidic and caustic materials, as well as many other items.

Business-related hazardous waste is not permitted at the event. The program does not accept empty containers, latex paint or other non-hazardous wastes, alkaline batteries, asbestos, biomedical waste, sharps, ammunition, marine flares and other explosive material. Waste in drums and radioactive waste will not be collected.

Program organizers require that the wastes be segregated from other solid waste. They recommend that waste be delivered in secondary containment in order to avoid spillage and contamination.

There is a limit of 55 gallons per household. For more information, contact the Disposal of Toxics Program at 360/380-4640.