Free hazardous waste collection slated

NORWAY — A free household hazardous waste collection will be held from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, August 4, at the Norway/Paris Solid Waste on 39 Brown Street. This is for residents of Norway, Paris, Otisfield and West Paris.

What Products Should I Bring? — Look for the words Caution, Warning, Poison, Corrosive, Toxic, Volatile, Flammable or Danger on the label plus also mercury-containing products such as thermometers and thermostats. Latex paint will not be accepted.

How Do I Participate? — Household hazardous waste from towns listed may be brought to the collection at no cost. Residents from towns not participating must pay the contractor in cash or by check. ($28 for five gallons of liquid waste or up to 20 pounds of dry or a combination.) Pack materials in original, secure containers and use boxes or plastic bags when appropriate. Place materials in the trunk or truck bed. Remain in your vehicle.

What are the Dangers of Improper Disposal? — Household hazardous wastes are sometimes disposed of improperly by pouring wastes done the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers or putting them out with the trash. But household hazardous wastes have the potential to injure sanitation workers, contaminate septic tanks or wastewater treatment systems and present hazards to children and pets if left around the house.

Items Accepted — Kitchen: various cleaners, oven and drain etc., floor care products and metal polish with solvents; Workshop: solvents and solvent based glues, oil based paint, stain and varnish, paint thinners and strippers; Garage: auto transmission fluid, driveway sealer, roofing tar, gasoline, kerosene and diesel fuels; Garden: bug and weed killer, chemical fertilizer with pesticides, fungicides, insecticides and pesticides; Miscellaneous: artist's paint and mediums, chemistry set, dry cleaning solvents, fiberglass epoxy, flea control products, formalin, formaldehyde, gun cleaning solvents, hot tub chemicals, lighter fluid, moth balls, photographic chemicals, rubber cement, rug, upholstery and spot cleaners, smoke detectors and swimming pool chemicals

Alternatives to Household Hazardous Waste Chemicals:

General Purpose Cleaner — 1/4 cup Borax, 1/4 cup white vinegar and 2 gallons hot water. Stir to dissolve. Use mop or sponge to clean. Alternative products: Murphy's Oil Soap or Citra-Solv.

Scouring Powder — 1 cup baking soda mixed with 1/4 cup Borax. Dampen sponge and scoop up mixture. Rub on surface. Let "rest" and then rinse well. Alternative product, Bon Ami.

Paint Thinner — Let paint particles settle, then pour off clear liquid and reuse.

Bug Sprays/Insecticides — For gardens, use companion planting and integrated pest management. Plant disease resistant seeds. Pour a line of cream of tartar, red chili pepper, paprika or dried peppermint where ants are entering the house.

Insect Repellent — Do not wear scented products outdoors. Burn citronella candles, punk or incense. Alternative product, Bite Blocker

Proper Disposal of Latex Paint — Instead, you should dry it out and dispose of it with your regular trash (with the lids removed). If there isn't much liquid paint left in the can, you can open it up, place in a safe location not accessible to children or pets and let it air dry. Add an absorbent, such as shredded newspaper or clay-based kitty litter into the can. Pour the paint into a paper box or bag and add an absorbent. Recycle the empty can. Add a paint hardener to the paint in the can.