Paint and Household Hazardous Waste

The Grimshaw Transfer Station and the Manning/North Star Transfer Station are permanent collections sites.

Unused household products that contain corrosive, toxic, flammable, or reactive ingredients are considered to be "household hazardous waste" (HHW).  Leftovers of products, such as cleaners, oils and pesticides that contain potentially hazardous ingredients require special handling when you dispose of them.  Improper disposal, such as pouring down the sink, pouring in the storm sewer. burning, throwing in the landfill or putting in the trash can ultimately lead to contamination of our water, air and land, and can be a threat to human health.

HOW DO I KNOW IF IT'S HAZARDOUS?

A household hazardous product has a least one of the following properties:  It is

REACTIVE

CORROSIVE

FLAMMABLE

TOXIC

Look for symbols printed on the packaging.

PRECAUTIONS:

Keep materials in their original containers: if cracked or broken, place the container in a leak-proof package and label it.  Jars or cans of unidentified/unknown chemicals should be taken to a collection site and staff advised.  Any container printed with product warning symbols or precautions about use of the product or instructions on disposal of the container should be included.

There are recycling options for some hazardous wastes such as used oil, lead-acid batteries, ni-cad batteries and propane tanks.  Check with the transfer station operator.

 DISPOSAL:

Items collected are sorted, packed and labeled by qualified personnel, then some of the items taken to Swan Hills Treatment Centre for safe treatment and disposal.