Located at the Crow Wing County Landfill, the Household Hazardous Waste Facility is a free service for the residents of Crow Wing County.         May - October: 2nd Wednesday & 2nd Saturday of the month. Hours of Operation:  8:00 AM - 4:00 PM             November - April:  By appt only

HAZARD IN THE HOME: HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE Many of the products that we use at home contain substances that are hazardous. Paints, cleaners, garden chemicals, automotive products and aerosol cans are all examples of products we may have around the home that are hazardous. When these products are no longer useful, they become household hazardous waste (HHW). Household hazardous waste can not only threaten the health and safety of our families and ourselves, but also cause damage to the environment. The water we drink, the air we breathe, and the fish and wildlife we enjoy here in central Minnesota can also be harmed by HHW, but it doesn't have to be that way.

WHEN IS SOMETHING CONSIDERED HAZARDOUS? Household hazardous waste (HHW) has at least one of the following properties: FLAMMABLE: The label may say "Combustible," "Inflammable," "Petroleum Distillates," etc. These products could easily catch on fire. TOXIC: "Poisonous," "Harmful or fatal if swallowed," etc. These products may cause immediate harm, or cause long term health problems, such as cancer. CORROSIVE: "Acid," "Lye," "Alkali," etc. These products can eat through skin or other materials, such as metal. REACTIVE: "Do not mix with other chemicals." These products can react with other chemicals or products, possibly releasing toxic or flammable gases, igniting, or even exploding. The only way to determine the hazards involved in using a specific product is by reading the label. Before buying or using a potentially hazardous product, read the entire label, buy the least hazardous product you can, and follow the directions carefully.

MANAGING YOUR WASTE It's inevitable; we all end up with hazardous products in our home. The good news is that these products can be managed safely and responsibly. Product Storage Store in a place safe from children; pay special attention to the kitchen, where kids may look for food. Keep in the original, labeled container. If it is placed in a different container, clearly label it with the name and active ingredients of the product. Unknown wastes pose the greatest possible hazard. Keep from freezing. Many products (especially if water-based) are permanently ruined by freezing. Store metal containers in a dry place to prevent corrosion. Keep flammable products from heat and flame. Waste Reduction While the proper disposal of HHW is important, it is costly. The cost to Crow Wing County taxpayers to dispose of some types of waste is more than the original purchase price. Improper disposal, however, costs us all a great deal more, not only in terms of monetary expense, but in quality of life as well. By reducing the amount of waste you produce, you can reduce taxpayer costs while reducing your own expenses. Avoid buying products that are hazardous. Use up existing products before buying more. Purchase only the quantity you need to avoid having to store hazardous waste in your home. Store hazardous products properly. Try to use up leftovers, or give them to someone who can -- empty containers are not hazardous. Disposing of HHW Responsibly Household hazardous waste must be disposed of properly to protect the environment. HHW placed in the trash can contaminate landfills, causing water pollution and expensive cleanup. Likewise, HHW dumped on the ground can contaminate ground and surface waters. The soil doesn't "magically" filter hazardous chemicals away. Waste poured in storm drains goes directly to our lakes and rivers. Wastewater treatment plants and septic systems are not designed to process hazardous waste, so HHW shouldn't be put down the drain. Fortunately, proper disposal is not difficult. Please follow the guidelines below - for the environment, for yourself, and for your family.

Not all household products are considered hazardous. The following items are examples of items that may be thrown away or poured down the drain if no longer useable: Empty containers Empty aerosol cans Detergents Glass Cleaner Bleach Dried-out Paint Food Products Alkaline Batteries Fertilizer (without weed killer) Soap

SPECIFIC DISPOSAL INFORMATION ADHESIVES: Glues, cements, roof coatings, and other adhesives often contain flammable solvents. Buy water-based adhesives whenever possible. Leftover adhesives can be dried out by spreading over cardboard or newspaper, since dried-out adhesive may be thrown in the trash. AEROSOLS: Avoid buying aerosols when possible. To prevent clogging after use, hold the can upside down and spray until only gas escapes. Empty aerosol cans may be thrown in the trash, so try to use them up. Partially full aerosol cans can be brought to a HHW collection or to the HHW facility. AMMUNITION and EXPLOSIVES: Cannot be accepted at a HHW collection event or facility. Call your local police department for disposal. APPLIANCES: Many appliances contain hazardous substances, and are recyclable. Old appliances should be brought to an appliance recycler. ASBESTOS: Asbestos insulation, tile, and siding, if removed by the homeowner, should be placed in two garbage bags (one inside the other) and marked "Asbestos fiber." Asbestos can generally go to a landfill. Call your garbage hauler or local landfill for information. Roof tar or cement that contains asbestos can be treated as any other adhesive (see adhesives above). AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS: ANTIFREEZE: Beginning January 1, 1998, citizens may no longer dispose antifreeze in the drain. Making the right choices now is easier than living with the consequences later. Reduce the amount of hazardous waste in your home -- purchase wisely, and dispose of responsibly. PRODUCT EXCHANGE: The Crow Wing County Household Hazardous Waste Facility's Product Exchange Is available at no cost for county residents 18 years or older. If you have a product that is usable and stored in the original container and is in good condition you may bring it to the HHW Facility where it will be accepted at no charge. If you need a product or are looking for that special item then check our Household Hazardous Waste Facility's Product Exchange before buying new. You can use only what you need and return what you don't use! If you must buy a product containing hazardous material, buy only what you need and use it up. If you can't use it all up, give it to a friend or donate the leftovers to the Product Exchange. VERY SMALL QUANTITY GENERATOR (VSQG) Minnesota hazardous Waste rules allow VSQGs, those who generate 220 pounds or less hazardous waste per month, to deliver their known waste in their own vehicle to a licensed VSQG Collection Program. Starting in 2002, in conjunction with the Northwest Minnesota HHW program located at the Pine River Transfer Station, the County will host two VSQG days - one in the spring and one in the fall.  Call the Crow Wing County Waste Managment Office for more information.

QUESTIONS? CONCERNS? If you want information about something not listed, or have any other questions about hazardous waste, call Crow Wing County Solid Waste Dept. at 218-824-1290 This service is provided to you by Crow Wing County Waste Management Department and is intended to provide guidance to Crow Wing County residents. If you reside outside of Crow Wing County, contact your county solid waste office for disposal information. Crow Wing County Solid Waste HHW facility is licensed by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.