St. Charles County Department of Community
Health & The Environment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday March 7, 2006

CONTACT:
Mike Duvall, Director, Division of Environmental Services                                                                 636-949-7415
Jamie Paige, Environmental Programs Educator                                                                               636-949-7900 ext. 4264

Free Household Hazardous Waste
Collections Begin in April

St. Charles County - It's the time of year when many of us go through our spring cleaning rituals. From oil cans to old paint, chances are your home is loaded with half-used and mostly forgotten, household chemicals. Improper disposal of leftover chemicals (down the drain, in storm sewers, on the ground, or in your trash) can be especially harmful to the environment and pose a public health risk. St. Charles County residents can now make appointments to bring their household hazardous wastes to Recycle Works.

Check the product label for the words “Warning” or “Danger.” These items should be handled carefully, according to the label, and brought to the collection.

Collections are for St. Charles County residents ONLY. Appointments and proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or tax bill, will be required. Collections will begin in April and continue through October. Limits may apply to certain materials. Businesses are prohibited by law from participating.

ACCEPTABLE ITEMS: Paint, stain, varnish, oil, antifreeze, pesticides, herbicides, poison, gasoline and other fuels, solvents and strippers, aerosols, fluorescent tubes, household and auto batteries, brake and transmission fluids, pool chemicals and other acids and bases, wood preservatives, driveway sealant, and some mercury-containing items (thermometers, thermostats).

UNACCEPTABLE ITEMS: Explosives and ammunition, radioactive waste, medical waste, pressurized gas cylinders, household trash, and tires. Materials from business, commercial, non-profit, and government organizations are also prohibited.

Visit http://scchealth.org/docs/es/ for additional collection details. Handy HHW disposal guides are available to help determine the toxicity, proper disposal, and safe substitutes for common household products. Call (636) 949-7900 ext. 4271 to make a collection appointment or to get your HHW guide.

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