Get Rid of old garden chemicals, get free compost - May 7th

DC DPW TO HOLD MONTHLY HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DROP-OFF

SAT., MAY 7, AT FT. TOTTEN TRANSFER STATION

Residents also may pick up free compost.

The DC Department of Public Works  will hold its monthly household hazardous waste/e-cycling/document shredding drop-off Saturday, May 7, 8 am to 3 pm, at the Ft. Totten Transfer Station, 4900 John F. McCormack Road, NE.*

“It’s spring,” said DPW Director William O. Howland, Jr.  “People are cleaning out their garages and basements, getting rid of insecticides, old cleaning solutions and paint solvents and oil-based paint.  The best place to take these and other toxic items is the household hazardous waste drop-off, where they will be disposed of properly.”

Director Howland added that most paint sold today is latex, which is not hazardous, and can be dried out by adding some kitty litter to the can, then put in the trash after it’s dry.

District residents may bring up to five, medium-size boxes (no larger than the standard District recycling bin, which is approximately 20” x 14” x 14”) of personal documents to be shredded. Only paper (staples, paper and binder clips on the paper are okay) and credit cards will be accepted.  No business or commercial material will be accepted.

The remaining 2011 HHW/e-cycling/shredding drop-off dates are June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3, October 1, November 5, and December 3.

For a list of all household hazardous waste and e-cyclables accepted by DPW, please click on the HHW link at www.dpw.dc.gov.

*Directions to Ft. Totten:  Travel east on Irving Street, NW, turn left on Michigan Avenue, turn left on John F. McCormack Road, NE and continue to the end of the street.