Free household hazardous waste collection event set for Oct. 7 at Adams County Highway Department

QUINCY — Illinois residents with oil-based paint, old household cleaning supplies, lawn and garden chemicals and other types of household hazardous waste who are looking to clear them out of their basements and garages can dispose of these materials from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Adams County Highway Department, 101 N. 54th.

This opportunity for safe, legal disposal of household hazardous waste items is free and open to all Illinois residents. Registration for drop-off time slots can be made at: https://AdamsCountyHHW.as.me

Waste materials accepted at the event include:

• Oil-based paints
• Household batteries
• Used motor oil
• Paint thinners
• Herbicides
• Lawn chemicals
• Insecticides
• Solvents
• Pesticides
• Antifreeze
• Old gasoline
• Hobby chemicals
• Pool chemicals
• Aerosol paints and pesticides
• Cleaning products
• Fluorescent lamp bulbs
• Mercury
• Drain cleaners
• Acids
• Corrosives
• Unwanted medications (excludes controlled substances)

Residents should note that latex paint will not be accepted at the event. Latex paint is not hazardous and can be safely discarded in a regular trash receptacle once it is dried out. Removing the lid of the paint can and leaving it open to the air will allow it to dry over a period of days. Kitty litter can be added to speed up the drying process.

Other materials that will not be accepted at the event include:

• Agricultural wastes
• Propane tanks
• Business/commercial sector wastes
• Smoke detectors
• Explosives and ammunition
• Farm machinery oil
• Fireworks
• Fire extinguishers
• Controlled substances
• Biohazardous waste
• Lead acid batteries
• Institutional wastes

The event is a collaborative effort by the Adams County Health Department and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.