Get Rid of Your Household Hazardous Waste This Weekend

Rain or shine -- that may actually change if there's a real tropical storm blow through -- the city will be putting on its annual Household Hazardous Waste Day for Peabody residents this Saturday, June 8 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Department of Public Services.

Residents with have the opportunity to dispose of hazardous materials from their homes in an environmentally responsible manner, from lighter fluid to oven cleaner and fluorescent light bulbs.

Residents can dispose up to a full carload of material, which is 25 gallons or 25 pounds. Contractors are not allowed to use Household Hazardous Waste Day to dispose of construction materials.

Clean Harbors Environmental Services will also be on site to accept oil-based paints (no latex paint), varnishes, pesticides, spray cans and other household chemicals.

There is a $20 fee per household. TVs and computer monitors will also be accepted with the purchase of a $20 sticker per item (also available on-site). There is no charge for mercury-containing waste, such as batteries, thermometers, thermostats and fluorescent lamps.

Make checks payable to the “City of Peabody.” Proof of residency is required. Non-residents can drop off materials only from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and will be required to pay the full fee ($24 for up to 10 pounds or gallons or $44 for up to 25 pounds or gallons).

The city does allow residents to drop off used oil, car batteries, tires and propane tanks during normal business hours year round at 50 Farm Ave. A full list of acceptable materials for Saturday can be obtained from the Health Department (978-538-5926) or DPS (978-536-0600), or check the city website. Here is last year's checklist.

Clean Harbors will not accept commercial or industrial waste, latex paint, ammunition, asbestos, radioactive material, fire extinguishers, or medical or biological wastes.

There are a few safety suggestions the Health Department suggests you follow:

• Leave materials in original labeled containers
• Tighten caps and lids
• Place containers in sturdy upright boxes rather than in garbage bags
• Avoid smoking while handling hazardous materials
• Most importantly, do not mix chemicals

For more information, call 978-538-5926. The event is co-sponsored each year by the Peabody Municipal Light Plant.