Residents Encouraged to Properly Dispose of Hazardous Waste

[Link]On March 20, an EDCO waste collection truck was forced to make an emergency dump on a residential street after catching fire due to hazardous materials being improperly disposed of in regular trash bins.

The City of Buena Park reminds residents that Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) cannot be placed in regular trash or recycling bins. Proper disposal of hazardous materials is essential to protect the environment and prevent potential hazards such as fires, chemical spills, or groundwater contamination.

What is Household Hazardous Waste?

Household Hazardous Waste consists of unused or leftover products containing toxic chemicals. Items labeled Caution, Warning, Danger, Poison, Toxic, Flammable, or Corrosive are considered hazardous and must be disposed of properly.

Common HHW items include:

• Aerosol cans
• Lighter fluid
• All-purpose cleaners
• Used oil/oil filters
• Antifreeze
• Oven cleaner
• Auto batteries
• Paint (latex and oil-based)
• Auto fluids
• Disinfectants
• Pesticides
• Drain openers
• Pool chemicals
• Gasoline (in approved containers)
• Solvents
• Furniture polish
• Electronic waste

Residents can properly dispose of toxic household products at one of Orange County's free regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers:

• Anaheim: 1131 North Blue Gum St.

• Huntington Beach: 17121 Nichols St.

For additional locations, directions, and hours of operation, residents can call (714) 834-6752.

Paint Disposal: Paint cannot be placed out for curbside collection or thrown in regular trash bins. Free paint recycling is available at designated drop-off sites throughout California, including participating paint and hardware stores. To find the nearest PaintCare drop-off location, visit www.paintcare.org.

For more information on household hazardous waste disposal and drop-off locations, call (714) 834-6752 or visit buena-park.edcodisposal.com