| Help Prevent Ocean Pollution:
Proper Disposal of Household Hazardous Waste
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Do your part
to prevent water pollution in our creeks, rivers, bays and ocean.
A clean ocean and healthy creeks, rivers,
bays and beaches are important to Orange County. However, not properly
disposing of household hazardous waste can lead to water pollution.
Batteries, paint, oil, gardening chemicals and other hazardous
materials cannot be thrown in the trash. They also must never be
poured or thrown into yards, sidewalks, driveways, gutters or streets.
Rain or other water could wash the materials into the storm drain
and eventually into our waterways and the ocean. Unlike water in
sanitary sewers (from sinks and toilets), water in storm drains
is not treated.
For more information, please call the Orange
County Stormwater Program at (714) 567-6363 or visit the Stormwater page.
To report
spills, call the Orange County 24-Hour Water Pollution Problem Reporting
Hotline at (714) 567-6363.
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emergencies dial 911. |
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Leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients are considered to be “household hazardous waste” or “HHW.”HHW can be found in your bathroom, kitchen, laundry room and garage."
Improper disposal of HHW include pouring them down
the drain, on the ground, into storm drains, or in some cases putting
them out with the trash.
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Proper
disposal of HHW is actually easy. Many materials (like antifreeze, Latex-based
paint, motor oil, and batteries) can be recycled. HHW can be used as
an alternative fuel or taken to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Center free of charge. Other materials can be taken to one of these permitted
landfills:
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Anaheim: 1071
N. Blue Gum St.
Huntington Beach: 17121 Nichols
St.
Irvine: 6411 Oak Canyon
San Juan Capistrano: 32250
La Pata Ave. |
Some centers
have a “Stop & Swap” program that lets you take partially
used home, garden and automobile products for free.
Centers are open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Centers are closed on rainy days and major holidays. For more information,
call 714-834-6752. |
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Common household hazardous wastes:
- Batteries
- Paint and paint products
- Adhesives
- Drain openers
- Household
cleaning products
- Wood and metal cleaners and polishes
- Herbicides
and pesticides
- Fungicides/wood preservatives
- Automotive
Products (Antifreeze, motor oil, fluids)
- Grease and rust solvents
- Fluorescent
lamps
- Mercury (thermometers
& thermostats)
- Cathode
Ray Tubes (TV/Computer Monitors)
- Pool & Spa Chemicals
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Tips for household
hazardous waste:
- Never dispose of household hazardous waste
in the street, gutter or storm drain.
- Keep these materials in closed, labeled
containers and store materials indoors or under a cover.
- When possible,
use non-hazardous products.
- Reuse products whenever possible or share
with family and friends.
- Purchase only as much of a product as
you'll
need. Empty containers may be disposed of in the trash.
- Household
hazardous waste can be harmful to humans, pets and the environment.
Report emergencies to 911.
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