Saturday, Oct. 19, the City of Melrose will hold its annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day at the Public Works Operations Facility/City Yard, 72 Tremont Street. From 9 a.m.-1 p.m., you can drop off toxic household items that are not allowed in the trash. Proof of residency is required and a small fee ($2-7) will be charged for each item. Commercial hazardous waste will not be accepted.
Since the improper disposal of hazardous waste is dangerous for Department of Public Works employees and bad for the environment, we encourage you to take advantage of this important event.
ACCEPTED Items
Paint products
Oil based paint, stains and varnishes, wood preservatives, paint strippers/thinners, solvent adhesives, lighter fluid.
NOTE: Latex paint will NOT be accepted. Dried-up latex paint can be disposed of Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. -3 p.m., at the Public Works Operations Facility.
Fuels/auto products
Gasoline, kerosene, antifreeze, motor oil, engine degreaser, brake fluid, carburetor cleaner, transmission fluid, car wax, polishes
Gardening fluids
Poisons, insecticides, fungicides, chemical fertilizers, weed killer
Household items
Rubber cement, airplane glue, fiberglass resins, photo chemicals, chemistry set, furniture polish, floor and metal polish, oven cleaner, drain and toilet cleaner, spot remover, rug and upholstery cleaner, hobby supplies, artist supplies, mothballs, flea control products
Miscellaneous
Driveway sealer, roofing tar, swimming pool chemicals
Transporting these items
To safely transport these items, leave the materials in their original containers. Make sure to tighten caps and lids.
Oil paint, pesticides and household cleaners should be sorted and packed separately. It’s also a good idea to pack containers in sturdy upright boxes and pad with newspaper. Drive directly to the collection site as soon as the car is packed. Never mix chemicals or smoke while handling hazardous material.
ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED
Empty container/trash, commercial or industrial waste, radioactive waste, smoke detectors, infectious and biological wastes, pressurized cylinders, ammunition, fireworks and explosives, prescription medicines/syringes, asbestos, oil filters
Please do not throw these items in the trash. To properly dispose of them, call a private disposal company.
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