News Releases - 2002

Household Hazardous Waste Collections Announced for Fall 2002

Springfield, Ill. -- The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency will sponsor 14 household hazardous waste collections this fall between September 7 and October 26, Director Renee Cipriano announced today.

Each of the one-day events will be held on a Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"The Illinois EPA works with local communities to give citizens the opportunity to rid their homes of unused or leftover household products that are potentially harmful." said Director Cipriano. "Household hazardous waste reduction is an important component of our overall strategy to make Illinois' environment safer."

"Governor Ryan has provided strong leadership in obtaining the resources for making this popular program available at more locations and on more days throughout the state," she added.

Additional funding for the program sought by Governor Ryan and approved by the General Assembly allowed an additional 15 to 20 collections to be held each of the last two years.

Citizens may bring oil-based paints, thinners, chemical cleaners, antifreeze, motor oil, weed killers, insecticides and pesticides and similar household products. The public is encouraged to find alternative uses for latex paint since it is not considered hazardous. Residents are also encouraged to bring mercury and mercury containing products such as fever thermometers, old thermostats and elemental mercury from hobbyists. Fluorescent and other high-intensity discharge lamps may also be brought to the collections.

Items not accepted include explosives, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, agricultural chemicals and all business wastes. Propane tanks and lead acid auto batteries cannot be accepted at most of the events, but can be taken to local recyclers. An Illinois EPA contractor disposes of the wastes in an environmentally friendly manner, through recycling or other appropriate methods.

The events are free to the public and are paid for by a portion of the statewide fees on landfilled solid waste.

2002 Fall Household Hazardous Waste Collection Schedule