Hoover to hold Hazardous Waste Day this weekend

Published 3:52 pm Wednesday, April 14, 2010

The city of Hoover will hold its annual Household Hazardous Waste Day April 17 to give homeowners a chance to properly dispose of dangerous household items.

The event, which is for Hoover residents only, will be from 8 a.m.-noon at the Regions Park Stadium parking lot.

Event officials will ask to see proof of residence, according to a Hoover press release. Items from businesses or contractors will not be accepted.

Accepted waste includes: Aerosols; automotive fluids, such as motor oil, antifreeze, gas or mixed gas; car batteries and alkaline batteries; caulk or glue; chemical drain cleaner; household cleaners; paint and paint thinner; pesticides and herbicides; auto polish and furniture polish; solvents; stains and varnishes; standard vehicle tires; and preservatives. Workers will also accept electronics, including computer components, hard drives, monitors, keyboards, computer mice, cables and wiring, power supplies, televisions and phones.

The Hoover Bomb Unit will also be on hand to accept items such as: fireworks, pyrotechnics and flares; gunpowder; military-issued items; ammunition; explosives and explosive materials; reloading supplies; firearms; edged weapons; prescription medications; and non-prescription drugs.

Waste that will not be accepted includes: mercury; propane or canisters; light bulbs; medical waste, including syringes; radioactive materials of any kind; asbestos; PCB; and unidentified materials and containers.

Event organizers ask those participating to take special care in transporting waste by following these instructions: do not mix wastes; make sure the contents of the container are the same as stated on the label; make sure containers are safely secured in your vehicle; and make sure containers are not leaking.

Last year, almost 1,300 cars dropped waste off at the event. Workers took in 363 tires, 326 batteries and 1,100 gallons of oil.

The Hoover Bomb Unit took in 3,000 rounds of ammunition and 5 pounds of fireworks, among other items.