Johnston Residents Can Safely Get Rid of Hazardous Waste March 31

The city of and have joined together to host a hazardous waste drop-off event next month.

On March 31, residents can recycle and safely dispose of hazardous materials. Just drive through and drop off those items from 8 a.m. to noon on March 31 at the building at 6400 N.W. Beaver Drive.

Items Not Accepted:

• Latex paint
• Electronic waste
• Pharmaceuticals
• Sharps (syringes and needles) -- unless contained in a laundry detergent bottle or sharps container
• Ammunition
• Asbestos
• Explosives
• Fire extinguishers
• Propane tanks or cylinders
• Radioactive materials

Items Accepted

• Aerosol cleaners, paints
• Ammonia-based cleaners
• Antifreeze
• Batteries - only rechargeable
• Fertilizers
• Fluorescent light bulbs
• Gasoline
• Kerosene
• Lead acid batteries
• Metal polishes, rust removers
• Motor oil, filters
• Oil, lead-based paint
• Pesticides
• Petroleum adhesives
• Stains, varnishes
• Sharps -- must be contained in sharps container or detergent bottle with lids taped
• Thermometers (mercury)
• Thermostats (mercury)

Residents can drop off materials year-round at the Regional Collection Center, located a half mile north of Interstate ­80 off the Adventureland exit on Highway 65 in eastern Polk County.

The facility accepts 75 pounds of hazardous waste for free per visit, after 75 pounds the cost is $1 per pound. Hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday though Friday and 8 a.m. to noon the first and third Saturdays of the month.

Exclusions:

• Electronic waste (e­Waste) is 50 cents a pound.
• Latex paint (a non­hazardous material) is charged at $1 per gallon. You can dry this out and throw in the trash by mixing in kitty litter, sand or shredded paper and leaving the lid off. Once dry, throw in the trash with the lid off.
• Sharps (syringes and needles) must be contained in laundry detergent bottle and taped shut or a $2 fee is assessed. Sharps can also be thrown in the trash if contained this way.
• Tires are accepted for $3 per tire with a maximum of four tires.