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Household Hazardous Waste

Sponsored by
Albany County Household Hazardous Waste Committee
in coordination with
The City of Laramie

Recycling/Disposal Guide for Laramie (pdf)

What is Household Hazardous Waste?
Most of us generate household hazardous waste everyday. Items as common as cleaning solvents, paint, batteries, automotive oil, and antifreeze can become hazardous waste. If you read the labels of these and other similar items, you will discover that most have special disposal instructions or are not allowed in a landfill. Because these items are potentially hazardous, they cannot be placed in your garbage can or waste container.

Should We Be Concerned?
Surprisingly, these common products can pose serious threats to the health of people, animals, and the environment. If not properly disposed of, these products may contaminate the soil, surface water, or underlying ground water. Once contaminated, soil and water are difficult and expensive to clean. Some contaminated water may never be clean enough to be used as drinking water. With a limited community water supply, much of it from ground water, Laramie and Albany County residents must take significant precautions to protect our water supply from household wastes and other potential contaminants.

Disposing of Household Hazardous Waste In Albany County:

Waste Oil and Antifreeze
The Albany County Road and Bridge Dept. and the City of Laramie Street Division will accept used automobile oil to burn in a waste-oil heater. After you change oil in your vehicle, pour the liquid into a clean, unbreakable container with a good sealable cap, such as a one-gallon plastic jug. Do not mix the used oil with water or other products.Used antifreeze should also be drained into a sturdy plastic container. Contact Road and Bridge (742-2534) for further instructions and disposal times.

Batteries
The best way to dispose of used automotive batteries is to return your old battery to the company from whom you are purchasing a new one. The law requires that they receive your old battery. Automotive batteries are also accepted at the Laramie landfill. You must notify the landfill attendant that you have a car battery so that it can be properly recycled.Alkaline batteries may be placed in your normal trash. Nickel cadmium (nicad) or lithium rechargeable batteries should be recycled. These can be recycled at the Laramie landfill. Tell the landfill attendant what type of batteries you have, and you will be directed to the proper container to safely recycle them.

Paint
The best way to dispose of any kind of paint is to use it all up. Consider applying a second or third coat if it allows you to avoid having to dispose of unused paint. To safely dispose of extra latex paint, leave the paint can open in a well-ventilated and secured area so that it can solidify. Dried latex paint is stable and does not pose a significant threat to ground water or soils. Once dried, the paint may be placed in the trash for disposal. Leave the lid off the paint can so the collection crews know the paint is dried completely. Oil based paints are more difficult to dry in a paint can. To expedite the paint drying process, pour the paint into a plastic-lined box to increase the exposed surface area, and mix with absorbent materials such as kitty litter or sawdust. All handling should be away from children and animals.

Pesticides
Use pesticides according to label directions, but do not overuse them. If the product's shelf life expires, or if you need assistance, contact Albany County Weed and Pest at 742-4469.

Solvents
Solvents such as paint thinner can be reused by allowing the solids to settle to the bottom of the container, then pouring off the clear liquid into a well-labeled container for reuse later. The solids can then be dried and thrown away. Call the City of Laramie Solid Waste Division to get specific disposal options.

How can I avoid improperly disposing Household Hazardous Waste?
The best way to avoid improper disposal is to become a smart consumer. Here are some helpful tips for avoiding improper disposal:

• Buy only the quantity of the hazardous product that you need to use. By purchasing only what you can immediately use, and using ALL of the product according to the manufacturer's directions, you will not have to worry about disposing of unused waste.
• Buy the least toxic product that will do the job. Many jobs can be done with less or non-toxic products. For example, vinegar can be used as a nontoxic household cleaner. A list of other alternatives is available from the Water Outreach Coordinator.
• Recycle! If you have leftover hazardous household material give it to someone else who might be able to use it all up. The best way to dispose of any hazardous household material is to use it all up properly.

All Albany County residents need to make sure to dispose of household hazardous waste safely. Proper disposal of wastes as common as paint, cleaning solvents and motor oil will help ensure that the quality of life we value will continue into the future for our children. If you have questions about how to dispose of household hazardous waste, please contact any of the local or state agencies listed below. Remember, we are here to help you help our environment.

Dates for Household Hazardous Waste Collection at the Laramie Landfill typically occur several times during the summer months.  Dates will be announced in the Laramie Daily Boomerang, or you can call the City of Laramie Solid Waste Division at 721-5279.