Recycle household hazardous waste July 27

PHOENIX (July 16, 2013) – Arizona Department of Environmental Quality officials announced today that the first free household hazardous waste recycling event for Payson area residents in six years will be held Saturday, July 27 from 8 a.m. until noon at the Multi-Event Center, 1400 S. Beeline Highway.

The event is being co-sponsored by ADEQ, the Town of Payson Water Department, Gila County, Tonto Apache Tribe and the Northern Gila County Sanitary District and is open to Gila County households. Commercial hazardous waste will not be accepted.

Items eligible for disposal are paints, solvents, adhesives, auto batteries, motor oil, fuel, aerosol cans, propane tanks, pesticides, herbicides, fluorescent lights and other mercury-containing items, acids, household cleaners, lawn and garden products, fire extinguishers and other household products with caution, warning, danger, poison, toxic, flammable, combustible or corrosive labels. Up to 10 waste tires without rims per licensed driver also will be accepted.

Attendees should remember to seal materials in their original containers when possible, label unmarked containers and pack waste containers so they are visible to event volunteers and be sure to arrive before noon.

Materials not accepted include medications and pharmaceuticals, biohazardous or infectious waste, medical sharps, explosives, compressed gas cylinders (barbecue-sized and smaller), large appliances, radioactive waste, smoke alarms and ammunition.

"Improper disposal of household hazardous waste can seriously harm the environment and your water supply,” said Viki Holmes of Payson’s Water Department. “The Town of Payson Water Department and our co-sponsors are pleased to be able to offer this free drop off to Gila County residents. Please help make this successful. Go through your storage sheds and come on by.”

“We are pleased to help co-sponsor this event and encourage all those in Payson and the surrounding area in northern Gila County to dispose of their materials at this event in an environmentally responsible manner,” said ADEQ Director Henry Darwin. “ADEQ commends our partners for their work to make this opportunity available.”