"Hazman," Foe of Toxic Trash Visits Hercules

One of the more colorful heroes to emerge in West Contra Costa County in recent weeks is "Hazman."

Never heard of him? He not only wears one of those bright yellow-green, worker vests, but he's currently starring in a new video as a magically appearing and disappearing hero for hapless holders of household hazardous waste.

The "Hazman" video, which was screened for the Hercules City Council at its last meeting, was presented by the waste-management agency, RecycleMore, to tell West Contra Costa County residents how to dispose of their hazardous waste.

The brief, not-quite-Hollywood-standards film begins with two women puzzled over what do with their toxic trash as they clean out their garage. Suddenly – poof! – Hazman is standing in the garage.

"Hello, folks – don't be afraid," he tells the startled women. He then tells them about the dangers posed to the Bay and local wildlife by the toxic chemicals in flammable liquids, old batteries, discarded electronics, pesticides and other dangerous waste, and warns them that it's illegal to just throw them in the trash.

Hazman then shows them how easy it is to take such waste to RecycleMore's Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 101 Pittsburg Ave. in Richmond. It's free for west county residents.

"This is a fun way to teach people to make sure they bring their household hazardous waste to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility," said Nicole Forte, programs manager for RecycleMore.

The 6-minute, 18-second video is attached to this article and can also be accessed directly on YouTube.

Produced by Husser Educational Consulting in Richmond, it was created at the end of December, with Hazman played Tariq Majid, household hazardous waste supervisor at the RecycleMore facility, Forte said.

Those who take waste to the facility need to have proof of residence in West Contra Costa County (a driver's license or utility bill). Once at the facility, recyclers should not get out of their car. A crew member will unload the waste directly from the recyclers' trunk. Residents can also check out the facility's storage shed for free items, including paint. The following communities are eligible to use the facility:

• Hercules
• El Cerrito
• Richmond
• Pinole
• El Sobrante
• Kensington
• Rodeo
• Crockett
• Tormey
• Port Costa

Businesses that generate a small quantity of hazardous waste may also be eligible, and seniors and the disabled can qualify for curbside pick-up. More information about the services is available at the ReycleMore Web site.