Spring Clean By Getting Rid of Hazardous Materials

It's time to get going on that spring cleaning and the town of Burlington is here to help.

The Burlington Board of Health is holding a household hazardous waste collection day at Francis Wyman Elementary tomorrow from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

Here are items you can bring:

• Full Aerosol cans -  (Empty cans can be placed in curbside recycling bin)
• Automotive products - Oil, brake fluid, car wax, gasoline, antifreeze, engine   degreaser.
• Batteries - Lead acid, button cell, nickel-cadmium and lithium.
• Fluorescent light bulbs - Tubes and energy saving compacts. Transport in box or case. DO NOT tape together.
• Glues and adhesives
• Hobby chemicals
• Mercury and mercury containing products
• Paint - Oil-based only.
• Pesticides - including herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, fertilizer with pesticides, snail/slug/rat poison.
• Pool chemicals
• Propane tanks
• Thinners and solvents - turpentine, paint stripper, paint thinner, degreaser

Items NOT to bring:

• Appliances, TVs or Computer Equipment - contact Allied Waste at 1-800-442-9006 to schedule curbside pickup.
• Alkaline Batteries - Household type (A, AAA, C, D, etc.) can be thrown in household trash.
• Biological or Infectious Waste
• Construction materials - Asbestos materials, siding, shingles, floor tiles, etc.
• Latex Paint - Pour paint in a cardboard box lined with newspaper or mix with kitty litter to promote hardening. Once paint in can or box is dry, place in regular trash.
• Empty paint cans or aerosol cans
• Explosives or Flares
• Medical Sharps (disposal information)
• Oversized amounts - No drums or truck loads.
• Pathological wastes and medical devices (non-sharps)
• Radioactive materials—Smoke detectors can be thrown in trash
• Tires - Contact Allied Waste at 1-800-442-9006 to schedule curbside pickup

Transporting Waste  

Proper handling and transportation of hazardous waste can reduce the chance of accidental spills. For your safety and the safety of the Household  Hazardous Waste Collection Personnel, please adhere to the following:

• Do not mix products/chemicals together.
• Label products not in original containers.
• Place materials in containers or plastic over wrap that does not obscure labels.
• Leaking or broken containers must be repackaged prior to transport. Make sure all lids, caps and   covers are tight.
• Transport containers in a sturdy cardboard box. Pack so material and containers do not contact or tip into each other.
• Store products away from the passenger compartment of your vehicle and keep  separate from other items .
• Do not smoke at the collection site.
• Do not leave your vehicle during unloading of the materials.

Click here for more information and how to dispose of unique objects.