Hazardous waste collected Saturday

  It's time again for Yuma-area residents to load up their old paint cans, worn-out television sets, empty aluminum cans and other items taking up space in their garage and bring them to the city of Yuma's household hazardous waste collection day.

  The next quarterly drop-off day for the program will be 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the city's north public works yard, 265 W. 13th St.

  Anyone from Yuma County can drop off their recyclables, electronic items - known as "e-waste" - and hazardous household waste items at the event. There is no charge.

  Household hazardous waste products are defined as unwanted corrosive, flammable, toxic or reactive material used in your home, car or truck, garden and lawn. These items might include motor oil, antifreeze, paint, solvents, household cleaners, pesticides, fertilizers and batteries. Up to five tires off the rims also will be accepted.

  E-waste has been added to the list of items accepted at the event. E-waste can contain lead or mercury, and if left in a landfill could possibly contaminate the soil. However, e-waste also contains materials such as metal or aluminum that can be recycled.

  Examples of e-waste accepted at the household hazardous waste collection day include home computer components, TV sets, video cassette recorders, cell phones and home phones.

  Recyclable items residents may drop off include aluminum cans, cardboard, newspapers, clear plastics No 1 and No. 2, documents and shredded papers.

  Not accepted will be large household appliances such as refrigerators, ovens or dishwashing machines, business or commercial waste, commercial recycling materials, explosives, ammunition, pressurized gas or radioactive materials.

  Recycling bins will remain available for public use at this location, situated between the north fence and 13th Street. Everyone is encouraged to take advantage of this drop-off site throughout the year. Residents are asked to break down corrugated and cardboard boxes and rinse out aluminum cans and plastic bottles before dropping them off.

  Sponsors for the household hazardous waste program drop-off include the city of Yuma, city of Somerton and Yuma County. Sponsors for the recycling drop-off include the city of Yuma, Habitat for Humanity, Mission Disposal, Allied Waste, Yuma Community Food Bank and Desert Document Shredders.

  Upcoming dates in 2009 for the quarterly household hazardous waste and recycling drop-off program are Jan. 10 and April 11. For more information, call 373-4500.

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Joyce Lobeck can be reached at jlobeck@yumasun.com or 539-6853.