Dates set for dropping off household hazardous waste

Do you have household chemicals or environmental poisons you need to get rid of? While the Lincoln transfer station does not accept hazardous waste, Lincoln residents may drop off materials on one of eight days this year at the Minuteman Hazardous Products Facility at 60 Hartwell Ave. in Lexington—but they must first pre-register and to fill out a form with the Lincoln Board of Health in person or by calling 781-259-2613.

Lincoln items will be accepted in Lexington from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following dates (almost all on Saturdays):

• April 20
• May 18
• June 15
• July 20
• August 17
• September 15 (Sunday)
• October 19
• November 9

Materials that will be accepted include aerosol cans, car products (antifreeze, solvents, degreasers, batteries, brake fluid), cleaning supplies (bathroom, oven, drain), fluorescent lights, herbicides, hobby/artist supplies, lighter fluid, paint and paint strippers, pesticides, photography supplies, pool chemicals, poisons, waste fuels, solvent adhesives, weed killers and wood preservatives.

Materials that will not be accepted include latex paint, ammunition, fireworks, explosives, asbestos, fire extinguishers, gas cylinders, infectious and biological waste, medicines and syringes, electronics, construction waste, radioactive materials, smoke detectors and tires.

Latex paint is not a hazardous material, but it also can’t be thrown in the regular trash if it’s still in liquid form. To dry out latex paint, you can do one of the following:

• For small amounts, open the can and let it dry out.  The cans can then be put in the regular trash with the lids off, or in a plastic trash bag.
• Put kitty litter or waste latex paint hardener (available at many hardware stores) into the can and then let the paint dry out until it’s solid. The can may be put in a plastic bag and put in your curbside trash.
• Line a box with newspaper and pour small amounts of paint into the box, letting each layer dry and solidify before adding another. The box can be put in your regular trash.

To download a printable list of materials and latex paint instructions, click here.