Spring Cleaning May Include Handling Hazardous Waste Items

It's April now and time to get the spring cleaning started. If you're like many families, you probably have some hazardous-waste items that you need to dispose of properly. Here is a brief guide to let you know what items are considered to be hazardous and why they shouldn't be thrown in the garbage can.

When you dispose of hazardous chemicals by throwing them in the trash, you may be putting the environment, your neighborhood, your family and the garbage collector at risk. If you decide to pour out hazardous liquids down the drain, they will either end up in the sanitary system or in the river. If they end up in the river, you will be changing the ecological balance of the water. If these chemicals go to the sanitary system, they will be treated but the process will take much longer.

Hazardous Items List

• Many automotive chemicals
• Automotive batteries
• Motor oil
• Fire extinguishers
• Mercury thermometers
• Helium and propane tanks
• Many cements and glues
• Nail polish and nail polish remover
• Artist inks and paint
• Photographic chemicals
• Ammonia and bleach
• Oven cleaners
• Spot removers and cleaning solvents
• Chemicals for swimming pools and hot tubs
• Many types of paints
• Varnishes, stains and lacquers
• Solvents, strippers and paint thinners
• Wood preservatives
• Pest control chemicals
• Weed killers
• Fertilizers

This is just a partial list of some of the hazardous materials that you may spot during your spring cleaning. While the city does accept many hazardous products and chemicals at their drop-off facilities, some they do not. As well, you must ensure that the items that you are bringing to these drop-off locations are sealed properly and clearly labeled.

For more information about hazardous waste items you can contact the City of Calgary directly at 311 or visit their website at http://www.calgary.ca.