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 Household Toxics 

 

Household products that are labeled as poisonous, hazardous, flammable, explosive, or caustic -- such as pesticides, solvents, and oil-based paints -- should not be emptied in the sink or storm drains, poured on the ground, or placed in the trash where they will be landfilled and potentially end up leaking into our groundwater. 

Instead, please dispose of these materials responsibly. Share leftover materials with others to use up as directed on the label.  Consider purchasing less toxic materials in the future.

  • Household quantities of used motor oil, motor oil filters, and household rechargeable batteries are accepted at the Drop-Off Station. Take leftover, unwanted toxic products in their original container to the Washtenaw County’s Home Toxics Center, (734) 222-3950 705 N. Zeeb Road, near Jackson Road, open 9-Noon the first three Saturdays of each month (excluding holiday weekends) and by appointment for the other days and during winter months.
  • Businesses with surplus toxic chemicals may contact the county for information on proper management and disposal options of these regulated materials.

The City of Ann Arbor’s residential curbside pickups of household batteries, used motor oil, and used oil filters discontinued June 30, 2010 as the city moves towards greater efficiency of recycling collection with the single-stream recycling program, starting citywide on Monday, July 5. These toxic materials may be recycled at many locations that had not been available when first included in the city’s recycling program the 1980s. The Drop-Off Station at 2950 East Ellsworth Road, accepts all these items in unlimited quantities at no charge once the $3 entry fee is paid (734.971.7400, www.recycleannarbor.org). Press release attached (pdf)

Additionally, many local auto repair and quick oil-change shops accept motor oil and filters for recycling. Rechargeable batteries can be dropped off at no charge for recycling at most stores that sell rechargeables (e.g., Best Buy, Target, Radio Shack, Batteries Plus, etc.) as well as at the city’s Customer Service Center and City Hall lobby, and at Washtenaw County’s Home Toxics Collection Center, 705 Zeeb Road, 734.222.3950. A listing of registered rechargeable battery collection sites is available online at www.rbrc.org. Within the last ten years, U.S.-made alkaline batteries do not contain added mercury, so the original rationale for collecting non-rechargeables and treating these items as a hazardous waste has become obsolete. In addition, the recent ruling by the federal Department of Transportation requiring all rechargeable batteries to be taped or individually bagged before shipping for recycling makes the store drop-off sites more manageable for complying with these procedures, as the collection boxes include baggies and instructions for preparing the batteries correctly.

Televisions & computer monitors are prohibited from municipal refuse/landfill collection. These items may be taken to the Drop-Off Station for recycling; or may be reused or disposed through computer manufacturer recycling programs.

Medical Waste
Used residential sharps (needles and lancets) must be stored in a sturdy plastic jug, labeled "Sharps, Dispose of Properly." When full, the jug is to be taped securely shut and placed inside a residential trash bag. Sharps should never be placed in the reycling bins.

The preferred method for handling used residential sharps is to store them in a commercially-available sharps container. When full, the container is taken to a participating pharmacy for safest disposal. WHY? The needles collected at pharmacies are disinfected with steam heat and then shredded before being landfilled.

For a list of participating pharmacies that accept sharps and locations that are taking back unwanted medications, please see www.dontflushdrugs.com or call Washtenaw County at 222-3950. Commercial medical waste must be disposed according to Federal regulations and will not be collected by the city.

Some toxics, such as household batteries, automotive fluids, and freon appliances may be taken to the Drop-Off Station. Some fees may apply for specific items or quantities.

Qs? Contact customerservice@a2gov.org

 


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