Hazardous Waste

Did You Know?

• One mercury battery contained in six tons of garbage exceeds the allowable limit for mercury in solid waste as established by the federal government.
• Permanent felt-tip markers, rubber cement, and spray fixatives are found in many homes. These materials contain chemicals that are hazardous if inhaled, absorbed through the skin or swallowed.
• Pesticides and fertilizers used at home can cause water quality problems miles away. Help protect our rivers, streams and lakes by reducing your use of pesticides, fertilizers and other household chemicals.
• All-Purpose Cleaner: 1 quart warm water + 1 teaspoon liquid soap + 1 teaspoon borax + 1/4 cup vinegar Use for many cleaning jobs, including counter, floors, walls, rugs and upholstery.
• Crayon Mark Remover - rub mark with toothpaste and a damp cloth. Don't use on non-vinyl wallpaper.

Identify hazardous products in your home.

Look for the following warning words on product labels:

• caution
• toxic
• corrosive
• pesticide
• combustible
• poison
• flammable
• warning
• danger

Common hazardous products

• Paints and stains
• Batteries
• Propane tanks
• Fluorescent bulbs and tubes
• Pesticides
• Mercury thermometers
• Automotive fluids
• Pool and spa chemicals
• Solvents and thinners
• Art and hobby chemicals
• Sharps (needles, lancets, etc.)

Never pour these products down the drain or put them in the trash. They contain potentially dangerous chemicals.

Reduce Hazardous Waste in Your Home

• Choose safer products and alternatives or make your own -- request the "Greener Cleaner Pocket Book" or "The Hazardless Home Handbook - A guide to hazardous household products and effective alternatives" for recipes for safer alternatives (See Free Brochures page order form.)
• Buy only what you need
• Share leftovers with someone who can use them

To dispose of safely:

• Keep products in original containers when possible. If it does not have a label and you know what it is, label it yourself.
• DO NOT MIX products together
• Make sure containers are not leaking
• Pack containers in sturdy boxes and place in trunk of your car

Up to 35 gallons of household hazardous waste can be taken to:

• Metro South Transfer Station- 2001 Washington St, Oregon City
• Metro Central Transfer Station- 6161 NW 61st, Portland
• Call Metro: 503-234-3000 for directions, and hours or visit their hazardous waste page

What about paint?

If you have latex paint that is no longer usable, leave the lid open slightly so that it can dry out. When completely dry, discard dried paint in the garbage, and recycle the can and lid with scrap metal. For oil based paint, bring to the hazardous waste facility. Empty cans may be discarded in the garbage after removing the lids.

Hazardous Waste Disposal for Businesses

Businesses that generate only small amounts of hazardous wastes and are therefore unregulated may make arrangements with Metro to dispose of their wastes as a conditionally exempt generator at the Metro Central Transfer Station. Please call 503-234-3000