Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients are considered to be "household hazardous waste. Products, such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, and pesticides that contain potentially hazardous ingredients require special care when you dispose of them. Where: There is a facility that accepts household hazardous waste in Naperville, which is open every Saturday and Sunday (except holidays) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The center is located at the Naperville Fire Station #4, 1979 Brookdale Road, just east of the corner of Route 59 and Brookdale Rd, about 3/4 mile south of I-88. In the past, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency was able to sponsor an annual local drop-off day for household hazardous waste, but State funding cuts are now preventing them from holding almost all of these events. What: A comprehensive list of the items that can and cannot be taken to the Naperville facility is on the Kane County website, along with other useful recycling links: http://www.co.kane.il.us/Environment/recycle/hhw.htm In addition to the products on this list, prescription drugs are now also accepted if they are emptied from their original packaging and securely closed in a zip-top bag. NOTE: Used household batteries can be discarded with your trash on your regular pick-up day if they are secured in a ziptop bag and placed on top of your recycling bin. Do not discard them inside the bin. Used auto batteries must be taken either to the Naperville facility or returned to a local dealer who sells them. _________________________________ IDENTIFYING HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE (HHW)
In general, if a product is labeled “POISON,” it cannot be discarded in the trash: Garden chemicals, pesticides, cleaning products, some beauty products, medicines, automotive preparations, oil-based paint and swimming pool chemicals are all in this category. Other products are labeled “WARNING,” “DANGER,” or “CAUTION” because they are toxic, flammable or corrosive. Anything that contains mercury is also considered HHW. Old thermometers, anything with a mercury sensor such as thermostats, and CFL and fluorescent bulbs are in this category. The bulbs are accepted in Naperville, but those that are used and unbroken can also be recycled at local Home Depot stores, Ace Hardware on Randall Road in South Elgin and at Menard’s in Batavia. Some other retailers who sell these bulbs are now accepting used CFL’s and fluorescent tubes; please check individual stores. Here are some common examples of HHW that cannot go into your regular trash. If you have questions, please call Kane County Recycling at 630-208-3841. Cleaning Products: Ammonia-based cleaners Paint and Related Products: Oil-based paint Lawn and Garden Products: Insect spray Beauty Products: Alcohol-based lotions Automotive Products: Used motor oil and filters |
