Household Hazardous Materials
SHORT AND SWEET - This flyer will be in the January water bill and is made available here for reference. Part of the information concerns basic trash and recycling collection information and the 2010 Holiday schedule and the rest of the information is about how to dispose of household hazardous materials like oil based paints, kitchen cleaners and other chemicals.
There are many hazardous products found in households. Products that are corrosive, toxic, flammable or reactive are considered hazardous by the Federal EPA. Improper use, storage and/or handling of these products can result in dangerous outcomes. The Recycling Center accepts some household hazardous materials such as used motor oil and antifreeze. For other hazardous items that are also accepted at the Recycling Center please call. For disposal of other household hazardous materials or for more information on household hazardous materials, read the product label or contact the Recycling Center for a copy of the new Household Hazardous Materials Alternatives Handbook.
Ni-Cad Battery Collection Program
The Wapello Recycling Center now accepts spent Ni-Cad batteries for recycling. Ni-Cad batteries are often found in cell phones, camcorders, laptop computers and cordless phones. All Ni-Cad batteries say "Ni-Cad" or have the Ni-Cad symbol on it. For more information contact the Recycling Center or pick up a flyer on Ni-Cad batteries which is available where products with Ni-Cad batteries are found, as well as City Hall and the Library.
Sharps Disposal
The Wapello Recycling Center is now an authorized collector of pre-containerized sharps, (needles, lancets & syringes). All sharps dropped off at the Recycling Center must be in containers manufactured specifically for the collection & disposal of sharps. NO sharps will be accepted in other types of containers. Sharps are only accepted as a drop-off material -- DO NOT PUT SHARPS WITH YOUR CURBSIDE MATERIALS!
Paint Information
The Recycling Center has a latex paint exchange program. This program enables residents with usable latex paint in quantities of 1/2 gallon or more to bring it to the Recycling Center for reuse. The paint must be latex, it must not have separated or have a cottage cheese-like consistency, and the can must be in good condition. All paint qualifying must never have been frozen. If your paint does not meet these specifications it must be completely dried out and then you can put it with your regular trash. NO liquids of any type can be land filled DO NOT put paint in your recycling bin.
Do you have paint that needs to be dried out? These are several easy ways to do it. You can simply take the lid off and leave the paint to dry. Another option is to add cat litter or other absorbent material to the paint; stir and continue to add until the paint is solid. If you have a large quantity, you can line a cardboard box with a plastic trash bag and pour the paint in a little at a time, letting the paint dry between layers. It helps to add cat litter to this process as well. If you have additional questions about latex paint contact the Wapello Recycling Center.
If your paint is not latex....
Oil based paints and products like varnish, shellacs and paint thinner are considered to be hazardous. Special care is needed when disposing of these types of products. Many of these products are extremely flammable and have strong fumes. The best method for disposal is to take advantage of Toxic Waste Clean-up Day. For more information on Toxic Clean-up Day or on proper disposal of paint contact the Recycling Center.