Have that box of hazardous waste in the back of the garage? Saturday there’s a once-a-year opportunity to dispose of it safely and for free.
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Lincoln County residents can dispose of household hazardous waste for free during an annual event sponsored by waste haulers and the county’s Solid Waste District.
The event rotates between Lincoln City, Newport, Toledo and Waldport. This year it is at Thompson’s Sanitary Service, 7450 N.E. Avery, Newport.
Household hazardous materials accepted include pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and other poisons, mercury and products containing elemental mercury, and corrosives.
But this year you have to take coronavirus precautions into account. That means: one person per vehicle, when you arrive at Thompson’s keep your vehicle windows rolled up, and have the hazardous waste in the car’s trunk or in the very back of a truck bed so staff may easily remove items.
Products should not be mixed together. The county says keeping products in their original containers when possible will help staff dispose of materials safely. Products should also be properly sealed to prevent leaks and spills. If a container is leaking, secure it in a secondary leak-proof container. Pack containers in sturdy boxes in the trunk of your vehicle, away from the driver, passengers and pets.
Containers and boxes, including gasoline cans, cannot be returned.
Household batteries, car batteries and fluorescent bulbs should not be brought to the event as these can be dropped off at recycling/transfer stations throughout the year. Oil based, latex and other paints should not be brought to the event unless the paint cans have lost their label. Most latex and oil based paint can also be dropped off throughout the year. A few spray paint cans that are at least a quarter full will be accepted.
