Hazardous Waste Tips

• Carefully store household hazardous wastes, then dispose of them safely at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility.
• Both hazardous and recyclable materials should be brought to the facility in their original containers.
• Please deliver waste for drop-off in boxes you can leave.
• If not in their original containers, materials should be labeled clearly.
• Do not mix your leftover paints in one can, because the recycling company will sort the paint by color and type. The recycled paint will be used as a sealer for dry wall or concrete block walls.
• Don't bring empty paint cans to the facility; they go into the garbage. Remove the lids from the empty cans and make sure the paint is hardened.
• Consider purchasing recycled paints available at many local paint and hardware stores.
• Empty cleaner or pesticide containers go in the garbage. Wash thoroughly and wrap securely in plastic or newspaper.
• Never mix two potentially hazardous products together. They may be fine separately, but together they could produce toxic fumes, fires or explosions.
• You can recycle your non-rechargeable batteries (alkaline batteries) at the Utica Residential Convenience Station.
• Do not use discarded food containers to store hazardous waste.

Minimize Household Hazardous Waste

This facility helps to reduce the threat that accumulated hazardous materials pose. By following a few simple guidelines, we can keep future threats to a minimum - protecting our homes, our families and our environment.

Learn about the products you use and about nontoxic or less toxic alternatives.

• If you must buy potentially hazardous products, purchase only what you need and use them up. Try sharing products to ensure the entire quantity is used. If possible, give leftover paints to a community group.
• Read labels carefully, observe precautions for use and storage, and follow recommendations for disposal.
• Never bury waste, dump it along the side of the road, or pour it into a drain or storm sewer.
• Use only the amounts recommended on the label. Twice as much pesticide won't kill twice as many pests, but it can cause more problems for the environment.
• Check containers to see if they have deteriorated. If so, safely dispose of them and the materials before the containers start to leak.