Free household hazardous waste collection event set for Oct. 9

QUINCY — Do you need to get rid of oil-based paint, old household cleaning supplies or lawn and garden chemicals? Illinois residents with these and other types of household hazardous waste who want to do a little cleaning and clear them out of their basements and garages can dispose of these materials at a free event from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Adams County Highway Department, 101 N. 54th.

This opportunity for safe, legal disposal of household hazardous waste items is open to all Illinois residents. Register for an appointment time at this site.

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)

Latex paint will not be accepted at the event. It is not hazardous and can be safely discarded in a regular trash receptacle once it has dried. 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 the drying process.

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.