Any time gasoline is not used for its intended purpose, it becomes a hazardous waste. Usually, this happens when gasoline has been stored for a very long period of time or has been contaminated with rust, dirt, or water.

As gasoline ages, some of its components evaporate, leaving behind a thickened material like a lacquer or varnish, which may be difficult for an engine to burn. To avoid this problem, store gasoline in an air-tight container. This will prolong the life of the gasoline.

To dilute old gasoline, simply mix it with at least three times as much fresh gas. For example, one quart of old gasoline should be mixed with three quarts of fresh. Generally, the more the old gas is diluted, the better the engine will run. This may be done right in the gas tank if it is large enough to hold the necessary quantities. Otherwise, combine the gas in an approved gasoline container.

Work outside away from flames or heat. DO NOT SMOKE. If you wish to use the old gas in your car, put approximately one gallon of old gasoline in each time you fill the tank until it is gone.

If you have usable gasoline that you do not wish to use, give it to someone who will. Some large trucks, buses, and farm machinery can burn old fuel.

Since 2-cycle gas is actually a mixture of gasoline and oil, it can only be used in engines that specifically call for this kind of a mix.

As with plain gasoline, old 2-cycle gas can be diluted and used, but dilution must be done with more 2-cycle gas to keep the relative proportions of gas and oil the same. Do not dilute 2-cycle gas with straight gasoline or use it in engines for which it is not intended.

Dirt, rust, or other solids can be removed from gasoline by filtering it through two layers of thin cloth or a coffee filter. Work outside away from flames and heat and DO NOT SMOKE. The cloth or paper filters can be allowed to dry in a well-ventilated area away from children or pets and disposed of in your regular trash.

Water in a gas can sinks to the bottom. Gasoline that has been contaminated with small amounts of water can be restored by adding a fuel dryer. This is available at many hardware, auto parts, or lawnmower/equipment stores.

Gasoline with larger amounts of water can usually be salvaged by allowing the gas to sit undisturbed for one to two weeks until the water all settles to the bottom. Then carefully pour or siphon off as much gas as possible, leaving mostly water in the bottom of the original container. The remaining material should be handled as a Household Hazardous Waste.

Do not discard old cleaning supplies by pouring them down the sink. We accept all types of cleaning supplies.

• Bathroom cleaner
• Bleach
• Ammonia

Empty containers may be recycled.

Do not flush old medications down the toilet. Medications are incinerated. Confidentiality is assured. Click here for more info on pharmaceutical disposal.

Do not throw away old pesticides and fertilizers.

Examples of acids and bases in the home are:

• Drain opening agents
• Old cleaning chemicals
• Toilet cleaners
• CLR
• Lime Away
• Oxidizers
• Pool Chemicals
• Hydrogen Peroxide

We accept propane tanks. They can be empty or full. Both 1lb and 20lb tanks are accepted.

• Gasoline
• Mineral Spirits
• Paint thinner
• Fuel Additives
• Brake Fluid

We cannot accept:

• Radioactive substances. (Return these to the manufacturer)
• Asbestos
• Explosive substances including ammunition
• Tires

• aerosol cans
• cleaners
• drain cleaners
• floor care products
• metal polish
• oven cleaners

• cleaners
• disinfectants
• hair relaxers
• medicines
• nail polish
• pharmaceuticals
• polish removers

• fungicide
• herbicide
• insecticide
• rodent poisons
• weed killers
• pesticides

• antifreeze
• auto batteries
• brake fluid
• degreaser
• gasoline
• kerosene
• lighter fluid
• motor oil
• oil filters

• batteries
• furniture polish
• mothballs
• photographic fixer
• pool chemicals
• silver polish
• solvents

• Dry Cell
• All household batteries
• Alkaline
• Nickel-Cadmium
• Nickel-Metal Hydride
• Silver Oxide
• Mercury
• Lithium
• Lithium-Ion
• Lead Acid

The metals in household batteries can be reclaimed and used in other products!

Alkaline batteries are the most common household battery and include AA, AAA, C, D, 9 volt, and lantern type batteries. In spite of recent reductions in mercury content, alkaline batteries still contribute a significant amount of mercury to the waste stream.

Button batteries are so-called because of their size and shape. They are used in watches, cameras, calculators, hearing aids, and electronic games. Mercuric oxide and silver oxide are their primary components.

Rechargeable batteries can be reused many times, but they do eventually wear out. These batteries can be recycled with your other household batteries. The new rechargeable alkaline battery has the advantage that it contains no added cadmium.

Thirty-five percent of all background mercury comes from incinerating batteries with your household garbage.

Mercury and mercury compounds in batteries are highly toxic to people, wildlife, and the environment. Health risks associated with mercury include kidney damage and genetic, neurological, and psychological disorders. Cadmium is a confirmed human carcinogen and is poisonous when ingested or inhaled.

Collecting household batteries for recycling keeps the metals out of landfills, burn barrels, and incinerators. It reduces our exposure to these metals, and it reclaims a valuable resource.

• Use solar powered products whenever possible.
• Plug in an AC/DC adapter when you can.
• Use rechargeable batteries, especially the new alkaline rechargeables.
• Recycle all your household batteries at your local collection site.
• Pass the word about battery collection in the county.

• Latex (free to donate)
• Dried
• Frozen
• Liquid
• Oil-based
• Paint-related products
• Lead-based paint and paint chips are free of charge
• Rags used while applying linseed oil, paint thinner, mineral spirits, etc.

Non-reusable latex paint is accepted for a fee:

• 1 quart or smaller = $2.00
• 1 gallon or smaller = $5.00
• 5 gallon or smaller = $20.00

The quantity of paint needed can be determined by calculating the square footage of the walls being painted less windows and door openings. The paint can label will generally provide information on the square footage for which that particular paint will cover. If unused paint is left after the job is completed, apply a second, third... coat until the paint container is completely empty. Once the paint can is empty and dry, dispose of the empty can in the garbage or recycle the steel paint can at a metal recycler listed in the yellow pages under Recyclers or Scrap Dealers.

Closets, under-side of steps, fences, dog house, attic, etc. Once the paint can is empty and dry, dispose of the empty paint can in the garbage or recycle the steel paint can at a metal recycler listed in the yellow pages under Recycling or Scrap Dealers.

If you can't use your leftover paint, give it to someone who can. Usable paint may also be donated to friends and neighbors, housing assistance organizations, local community projects, schools, churches, local shelters and theatre groups, community outreach groups, Recreation departments, Park departments, or other similar groups in your area. You can also bring it to the Hazardous Materials Facility's Haz Bin Room for reuse. You may be able to write a portion of this donation off on your income taxes.

First, let the paint particles settle to the bottom of the container in which you cleaned the brushes. The container should have a top to keep the liquid from evaporating during the process. After several days, pour the clear liquid into a clean, closed container for reuse on future paint cleaning projects. You may filter the liquid through a coffee filter to keep any paint particles from passing through.

Step 1: Find an outside work area away from children, pets and rain. Locked screen porches and storage sheds work well. Some latex paint contains lead and mercury so it's important to dry paint outdoors in a safe sheltered place.

Step 2: Dry it. Choose one of the drying methods described later on this page. Paint will take between several days and several months to dry. It depends on the type and quantity that you have.

Step 3: Throw the dried paint and other materials in the trash. Your empty metal paint cans can be recycled. Leave the lids off the dry paint cans to show they are empty.

For small amounts: Brush latex paint in layers on newspaper or cardboard and let dry. For larger amounts: Pour thick layers (less than one inch) of paint onto cardboard or plastic. Allow the paint to dry one layer at a time. Thin layers will speed up the drying process.

Old medications should not be disposed of with your regular trash, nor should they ever be flushed down the toilet.

Unused drugs and drugs that have expired are a common household health threat to children and animals. When flushed down the drain or burned, they can release toxic chemicals into the environment. Some of these chemicals can damage septic systems and sewage treatment plants. There is a concern that released antibiotics may produce bacterial strains that are resistant to the antibiotic. Other drugs can be scavenged from the trash and illegally sold within the community.

• All expired pharmaceuticals.
• All unsealed syrups or eye drops.
• All pharmaceuticals that should have been kept cold but were not.
• All bulk or loose tablets and capsules.
• All unsealed tubes of creams, ointments, etc.
• Properly contained medical sharps.

The pharmaceuticals are disposed of in a high-temperature incinerator.

This includes discarded primary (non-rechargeable) and secondary (rechargeable) batteries that contain elements such as cadmium, lead, or mercury, which would render them RCRA-hazardous. Examples are nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cad), sealed lead-acid, or mercury oxide batteries. Lead-acid batteries (such as automotive batteries) that are generated, transported, or collected to be reclaimed, or regenerated, but not reclaimed where stored, under provisions of 40 CFR 266, Subpart G, "Spent Lead-Acid Batteries Being Reclaimed," do not need to be managed as universal waste. However, waste lead-acid batteries not managed, or eligible for management, under 40 CFR 266, Subpart G, are subject to the Universal Waste Rule requirements. Lead-acid batteries that are stored at facilities that reclaim them are subject to RCRA regulation as specified in 40 CFR 266.80.

Many commonly generated waste batteries, such as dry-cell zinc-carbon and alkaline ("long life") batteries, typically do not contain appreciable amounts of the hazardous elements of concern, and hence would not be required to be managed as universal waste. However, they may be managed along with universal waste batteries, and this is encouraged in the interest of diverting them from less desirable disposal destinies such as incineration or disposal in solid waste landfills.

Several classes of discarded pesticides that would otherwise be regulated as characteristic or listed hazardous waste may be eligible for management under the Universal Waste Rule: Stocks of unused suspended or canceled pesticides that are subject to a voluntary or mandatory recall under section 19(b) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), or a voluntary recall by a registrant of a pesticide that is not in compliance with FIFRA; Stocks of other unused pesticide products that are collected and managed as part of a waste pesticide collection program.

Pesticides not subject to the prescribed recalls may have to be managed as hazardous waste when discarded. Farmers managing and disposing of such pesticides in accordance with the hazardous waste exclusion in 40 CFR 262.70, and complying with prescribed disposal instructions, are not subject to the Universal Waste Rule. Recall or unused pesticides are not considered waste until a decision to discard them has been made. However, they remain subject to the requirements of FIFRA. Questions concerning the requirements or applicability of FIFRA to pesticide management should be directed to the Office of the Indiana State Chemist located at Purdue University, phone AC 765.494.1492.

This category of universal waste is restricted to thermostats that contain mercury, or the mercury-containing ampoules removed from such thermostats. It does not include other mercury-containing items such as thermometers, switches, gauges, relays, etc. The Rule allows for the management of this waste either as intact thermostats or as removed mercury-containing ampules when specified measures to prevent environmental release of mercury are followed.

This category has been added to those listed in the Federal Rule 40 CFR 273 by Indiana rule 329 IAC 3.1 - 16. Fluorescent light bulbs are the most common item in this category of universal waste, which includes any type of discarded electric lamp which contains mercury. This category does not include associated light fixture components such as ballasts. Mercury-containing lamps become subject to this rule if they are hazardous waste under 40 CFR 261, and when they are permanently removed from a fixture or determined to be discarded.

Any materials resulting from the release, or clean up of spills or breakage, of any universal waste, is not itself the universal waste. It must be determined whether or not such materials are hazardous waste as identified in 40 CFR 261, and the material must then be managed and disposed of in accordance with applicable hazardous or solid waste regulations.

Aerosols use liquid or gaseous propellants. Some aerosols contain organic solvents to dissolve or suspend substances.

Using an aerosol product can present a health threat. The small size of aerosol-propelled particles allows easier absorption into the lungs and bloodstream, significantly increasing the potential for harm from the active and inert product ingredients. Avoid inhaling aerosol vapors, especially if the product contains a solvent or pesticide (e.g., spray paint, carburetor cleaners, or wasp spray).

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is requiring that products containing METHYLENE CHLORIDE be labeled to warn consumers that it may pose a cancer threat.

METHYLENE CHLORIDE had been commonly found in aerosol cosmetic products - primarily hair sprays. It may also be used in paint strippers and thinners, wood stain and varnishes, spray paints and primers, spray shoe polish, household adhesives, and adhesive removers, glass frosting, and water repellents.

Products purchased before April 1988 may not have a warning label so read the product label carefully.

Compressed fuel tanks and aerosol containers pose a safety hazard because they are pressurized. When disposed of in the trash or recycling, the containers can be punctured in the hauling truck or at the landfill or sorting facility, releasing the chemicals in the containers. Punctured containers will easily explode or catch fire causing injury to sanitation workers and damage to equipment.

When using an aerosol product, read the label and follow the directions. If you use a product containing methylene chloride, use it outdoors or under high ventilation conditions. This means that air is moving from a fan, an open window, or an open door. Wear gloves and follow all the instructions. When spraying something like paint on large items, start from the bottom and work up, as the heavy vapors settle lower.

When using compressed fuels, always do so in a well-ventilated area to avoid risks of fuel or exhaust buildups, and always close the release valve after every use.

When Disposing of aerosol products or compressed fuel tanks, even when they appear empty, do not throw them in your regular waste or recycling containers. Always bring them to the HHW facility so their gases can be safely evacuated, and their metals can be properly recycled.

Asbestos is the common name for a group of naturally occurring silicate materials that separate into fibers. The fibers are fire-resistant, very strong, and not easily destroyed or degraded by natural processes. Asbestos was used for many years in home building products.

Concern for asbestos contamination within the home is due to research linking lung cancer and other lung diseases to the inhalation of asbestos fibers.

Although the health hazards of low-level asbestos exposure are still undetermined, it is prudent to reduce exposure as much as possible.

A health threat exists only when asbestos fibers are released from the product and float freely in the air where they can be inhaled. The fibers are so tiny that they cannot be seen. They may pass through the filter of normal vacuum cleaners. The more crumbly the material, the more likely it will pose a significant risk.

It may be better to leave asbestos that is in good condition alone! Improper removal of asbestos can create a health risk because the fibers are released into the air. A licensed asbestos removal contractor is highly recommended if it is necessary to handle the material.

The following areas of the home are most likely to have asbestos in them:

FIREPLACES. Artificial ashes and some artificial logs sold for gas fireplaces were 90 to 100 percent asbestos. The ash is very dangerous and this product was banned in 1978, but may still be in some homes.

HEATING SYSTEMS. Pipes, metal heating ducts, and boilers may be wrapped in asbestos insulation. This kind of insulation can release asbestos if damaged or if improperly removed. Asbestos tape or paper may be inside heater registers. Blowing air through the system can cause the surface to release fibers. The furnace may be sitting on an asbestos pad. If it is damaged or deteriorating it should be removed. Repairs to heating systems that contain asbestos materials should be done by a licensed contractor.

BASEMENTS OR CRAWL SPACES. These areas may become contaminated if material from pipes or heat ducts falls on the floor. Sweeping or walking in it can produce airborne fibers and thus create a hazard.

FUSE BOXES AND GASKETS. Old fuse boxes and the door gaskets of some wood-burning stoves, older furnaces, and hobby kilns may contain asbestos. Contact the manufacturer if you suspect asbestos. Be sure to include such information as serial and model numbers.

FLOORS. Asbestos-backed linoleum vinyl floor tiles can release asbestos if broken, pulled up, or sanded. It is better to cover an old floor with particle board or plywood before installing a new one. An undisturbed floor is not a hazard.

CEILINGS. Textured acoustical ceiling tiles are generally NOT a problem as long as they are not damaged. Try not to disturb the ceiling. Sweeping for cobwebs or painting may release fibers. Instead, use a damp cloth and dispose of the cloth in a plastic bag.

WALLS. Homes constructed between 1930 and 1950 may contain asbestos insulation between the walls. This is a problem only if the insulation is disturbed. Use a trained contractor if undertaking major renovations.

ROOFS, SHINGLES, SIDING. Some of these products contain asbestos. Since they are outdoors, the health risk is minimal. Unless heavily worn or heavily damaged, they can be left in place.

APPLIANCES. In the past, some parts of appliances contained asbestos. Today, asbestos is used only in parts that do not release fibers during use. If you are concerned about asbestos in an appliance, do not repair it yourself. Instead, hire a trained repair contractor to know how to avoid exposure.