Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste Info Sheet

Did you know that household products such as cleaning fluids, drain cleaners, oven cleaners, paints and automotive supplies contain hazardous chemicals that can be harmful to you and your family?  Products such as these, which are marked "caution", "warning" or "danger", can also pose a threat to the envoirnment.

What is Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)?
Many common household items contain chemicals that can create environmental hazards if not handled properly.  These waste include old paint, TVs, computer monitors, batteries, fluorescent lights, thermometers and thermostats, waste oil and gasoline, and pesticides.

Why are TVs and computer monitors hazardous?
Computer monitors and TVs may contain mercury paste and gas along with leaded glass.  Deliver your household's old TVs and computer monitors to the Fairmead Landfill, 21739 Road 19, Chowchilla, 559-665-3099.  Televisions and computer monitors are now accepted free of charge at the Fairmead Landfill.

What are mercury-containing wastes?
Mercury is an essential component in fluorescent lamps, and may be found in thermometers and thermostats.  If these items are broken or not recycled, they can release harmful levels of mercury into the environment.  You can give your old thermostat to your heating contractor to return to their wholesaler for recycling.  Remember to buy low-mercury lighting fixtures, and mercury-free thermometers and thermostats.

What can I do with old paint?

First, if the paint is still usable, you may be able to find a school or non-profit organization that can use the oil paint.  If not, take the cover off of the paint can and place it outside to dry out.  Once the paint is dry, place it in your gray garbage container.  You can also add the old paint to kitty litter so all the liquid is absorbed.  Put the kitty litter in a couple of trash bags, then add the paint and dispose with your regular household refuse.  Remember to buy latex paint whenever possible.

There are also vendors that collect up to 5 gallons of latex and oil-based paint, stains and varnish.  In Madera, you can drop off old paint at the following location: