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  July 21, 2008

  Contact: James Livingston, Solid Waste Systems coordinator, (480) 312-  5608 or Rick Pence, Solid Waste Director, (480) 312-5605

  Scottsdale urges proper disposal of household hazardous waste

 

The City of Scottsdale urges citizens to properly dispose of household hazardous waste following two incidents within a month that sent city employees to the hospital.

City solid waste employees were overcome by fumes when pool acid containers broke while left out for regular garbage and brush collection. After each incident, the workers were transported by the Fire Department to local emergency rooms for treatment. Fortunately, all employees recovered and were sent home.

“Household hazardous waste items in regular garbage or brush collection are a danger to businesses, city workers, residents and their neighborhoods. Proper disposal of these items is critical,” said James Livingston, Scottsdale’s Solid Waste Systems coordinator.

In addition to toxic chemicals being inhaled by citizens and workers, some household hazardous waste items can cause fires and pollute groundwater sources and stormwater systems.

There are a number of steps consumers can take to reduce the risks of household hazardous wastes. They include:

• The best way to deal with household hazardous waste is not to have any! Before you buy a product make sure it will do the job you intend it to do. When possible, buy only the amount you need so there are no "leftovers" to dispose or store.
• Read the label before you purchase a product. Many times two products will do the same job, but one requires special disposal and the other does not.
• When possible, avoid purchasing products with POISON, DANGER, WARNING, FLAMMABLE, TOXIC, CORROSIVE or CAUTION on the label.
• If you do need to purchase potentially hazardous products read and follow the label directions. If you have to store these items always leave them in their original container and never remove the label.
• And, most importantly, keep all hazardous products stored in a location away from children, and out of their reach!

There are also several options for disposing of hazardous materials residents may have around the home. They include:

• Read the label. Many products offer consumer 1-800 numbers that can provide information on properly disposing of their product, or the label itself may provide instructions on proper disposal.
• Share unused material. Give it away to friends, relatives or neighbors who can use it. Never share materials that are not in their original container or that have been tampered with in any way.
• There are household hazardous waste disposal opportunities through a number of Scottsdale’s local businesses. For more information on disposal locations, visit: http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/recycle/hhwdropoff.asp
• Take your hazardous materials to a household hazardous waste collection event. Scottsdale provides several collection events annually for Scottsdale residents. Please only bring accepted materials that are listed below:

Items Accepted:                           ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED:

Photo Chemicals                              Tires

Automotive Fluids                            Appliances

Household Cleaners                         Ammunition

Pool Acids / Chlorine                        Medical Waste

Solvents and Thinners                      Landscape Waste

Paints / Stains / Varnishes                Explosive Material

Household and Car Batteries             Radioactive Material

The next household hazardous waste collection event takes place from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at the Corporation Yard, 9191 E. San Salvador Drive.

A good source for finding out about additional disposal options and other environmental information can be found at the Earth 911 Web site: http://www.1800cleanup.org or by calling 1-800-Cleanup.