Hazardous Waste Frequently Asked Questions
Q I am a diabetic, what container do I need to put my used syringes in and where do I take them when the container is full?
A Most refuse haulers will not accept your sharps/needles. You will need to bring them to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event. We take them for free and will give you an approved collection container (also free) to use for future sharps. This program is designed to protect everyone from accidental sticks from needles throught the whole waste transportation & handling process. Needles should never be put in the TRASH!!! Please see our schedule of HHW collection events. http://www.rivcowm.org/hhw/hhw_schedule.html
Until you can bring them to us, you should put them in a hard sided container with a secure lid, like an empty bleach ro laundry detergent bottle, coffee can, etc. Then you need to put a label on the container that says "Sharps/Needles". Before transporting, secure the container one more time with tape. Place the container in the vehicle with you and when you arrive at the HHW event, the inspector will have you drop the whole container in a barrel. He will give you a new approved container and you will then use it until it is fill, then visit us again.
Q Why do I need to place my TV and Computer Monitor in a separate area at the landfill?
A As of July 2001 tv's and computer monitors have been banned from landfilling. This is due to the high level of lead in the glass portion of the tv and monitor, the Cathode Ray Tube (CRT). The new regulations require that the CRT be recycled. The Riverside County Waste Management dept. ships the CRT’s to recyclers. At this time CRT’s have a negative value. Presently there is no extra charge for this service. For more information on the management of electronic waste go to http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Electronics/
Q What is Household Hazardous Waste?
A Some jobs around the home may require the use of products containing hazardous components. Such products may include certain paints, cleaners, stains and varnishes, car batteries, motor oil, and pesticides. The unused or leftover contents of such consumer products are known as “household hazardous waste.”
Americans generate 1.6 million tons of household hazardous waste per year. The average home can accumulate as much as 100 pounds of household hazardous waste in basements or garages or storage closets. When improperly disposed, household hazardous waste can create a potential risk to people and the environment.
Q Can I dump my old paint cans? Do you accept partially used paint in containers?
A Both water base and oil base paint are regulated hazardous waste in California. It is unlawful to dispose of paint and paint products in the trash. Empty paint cans can be thrown in the trash as long as no liquid is present.
We will accept up to 5 gallons (accumulation of all the liquid paint you bring) per trip to the HHW events. If the paint is completely dried-up in the can, remove the lid and dispose of in your regular trash. It is only hazardous when it is wet or moist. If you just have a little paint, think about painting it out on cardboard, allow to dry, then dispose of all in you regular trash. For HHW events and locations, go to our website www.rivcowm.org
Q What Are the Dangers of Improper Disposal?
A Household hazardous wastes are sometimes disposed of improperly by individuals pouring wastes down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers, or putting them out with the trash. The dangers of such disposal methods may not be immediately obvious, but certain types of household hazardous waste have the potential to cause physical injury to sanitation workers; contaminate ground water at landfills; contaminate septic tanks or wastewater treatment systems if poured down drains or toilets; and present hazards to children and pets if left around the house.
Q What do I do if I see someone dumping hazardous waste?
A If you see the dumping of hazardous waste at one of the County Landfills, report it to the landfill staff on site. If you see this activity outside the landfill, in your neighborhood, or on the side of the road call the District Attorney’s Environmental Crimes Investigating Task Force at (951) 358-5055
Q Where can I dispose of household hazardous waste material such as paint, paint remover, varnish, cleaners, etc...
A You can bring these various materials as well as Universal wastes to the Household Hazardous Waste collection events (see schedule: http://www.rivcowm.org/hhw/hhw_schedule.html ) As a resident of Riverside County, you can bring them to any HHW collection events.
Q I have some vitamins and other pharmaceuticals I want to dispose. How do I properly dispose of them?
A Simply remove your personal information from the containers, mix the contents with kitty litter or coffee grounds, and place in the trash. We are following the federal guidelines. For more information on disposal of medication see our website: http://www.rivcowm.org/hhw/medications.html Medications are not accepted at Household Hazardous Waste events.
Q I can't find any information on disposing of batteries. What is the proper procedure?
A Most batteries are Universal Waste and cannot be disposed of in the trash. Some automobile batteries are hazardous waste and must be taken to a HHW facility. If the batteries are from your home - single use, we will accept through the Household Hazardous Waste program http://www.rivcowm.org/hhw/hhw_schedule.html at the ABOP facilities.
If the batteries are rechargeable, you can take them to any Radio Shack or Rite Aid retail stores
If the batteries are from a business or non-profit organization, we will not be able to accept them at the HHW and you will need to have them picked-up (http://www.rivcowm.org/hhw/CESQG_Program.html ) or ( http://www.rivcowm.org/hhw/transporters.html )or use a pre-pay mail back service (http://www.rivcowm.org/hhw/Universal%20Waste%20Mail-back%20Services.pdf )
Q I have heard we should not throw flourescent bulbs in the garbage. And what about light bulbs?
You are correct and you can no longer dispose of fluorescent lamps in the trash. Fluorescent light tubes or bulbs are included in Universal Waste and need to be disposed of properly. We take residential fluorescent lamps at all of our Household Hazardous Waste collection events. For more info. go to: http://www.rivcowm.org/hhw/hhw_schedule.html
Incandescent light bulbs can be put in regular trash.
If the lamps are from a business or organization, you will need to arrange disposal through a mail back, drop-off, or pick-up program. We have several options and processors listed on our website www.rivcowm.org, under "Hazardous Waste - Business"
