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.

Getting rid of your dirty little secrets - Where to dispose of old garden chemicals

Okay. So you've decided to go organic in your garden and stop using all of those chemical pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers that you used to rely on. That's great, because fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides can wash into storm drains and pollute local waterways.

But what are you supposed to do with all of those foul-smelling bottles of chemicals that are taking up room in your garden shed or garage? Obviously, you can't throw them in the trash or pour them down a drain somewhere. The correct way to dispose of any toxic product is to take them to a toxic disposal site.

Earth911.com has a great website that helps you locate the best place to recycle ANY materials, including toxic garden chemicals. Just enter the product and your zip code to Find Recycling Centers near you and this great site will bring up the closest location. Click on a location for more information, including a map!