Got Paint? Oil? Dispose Of It Safely At County's Hazardous Materials Collections

If you're doing your spring cleanup and are looking to get rid of paint cans, old pesticides or other hazardous items, Ocean County has a pair of dates set where you can safely dispose of those items.

"Many common household products pose a potential threat to your family, and to Ocean County's clean air and water. You can dispose of these materials free of charge by calling the county to pre-register," an announcement from the county says.

Acceptable Materials: paints/thinners/boat paint, solvents, pool chemicals, pesticides and herbicides, aerosol cans, auto products, toilet and drain cleaners, silver polishes, oven cleaners, photographic chemicals, rug and upholstery cleaners, polishes and bleaches, waste oil and used gasoline. All of the materials except oil and gasoline must be in their original containers, the notice says.

Maximum volume per household is limited to 200 pounds of dry materials and 20 gallons of liquid. Please, no containers larger than 5 gallons.

Unacceptable Materials: radioactive materials, dioxins, infectious waste (medical) ("Red Bag" wastes), explosives, unknown or unidentified materials.

Construction waste and asbestos are not permitted.

Only Ocean County residential households and farmers are eligible for this free program, the announcement says. A driver's license or tax bill will be adequate proof of residence.

"Our staff can advise you about any materials you are unsure of," the notice says.

There are two dates:

Saturday, May 14, at the Manchester Township Public Works Garage, 1360 Route 70, Whiting, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 732-367-0802 to preregister.

Saturday, June 11, at the Toms River Township Public Works Garage, 1672 Church Road, Toms River, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 732-506-5047 to preregister.

Pre-registration is required and is on a first-come first-served basis.

(Paint cans, by Daniel R. Blume, via Flickr, under Creative Commons license)