The Oswego County Household Hazardous Waste Facility re-opens for the season on Wednesday, May 3, giving residents the opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted chemicals, pesticides and other hazardous waste products.

The facility will be open Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 to 11 a.m., May through September. The Household Hazardous Waste Facility is located at the Bristol Hill Landfill, 3125 NYS Rte. 3, Volney.

“Household hazardous waste are items that may be toxic, flammable, corrosive or reactive,” said Michael Lutestanski, operations manager for the Oswego County Solid Waste Department. “Be sure to dispose of these materials correctly, as improper disposal poses a threat to humans, pets and the environment. We encourage residents to take advantage of free and safe disposal by coming to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility.”

Customers can pull their vehicle up to the side of the building, which is located between the transfer station and solid waste offices. Drivers should remain in their vehicles and wait for materials to be unloaded by solid waste department staff. For safety reasons, please do not bring children or pets to the collection site.

The following items are accepted at the collection facility: adhesives, aerosols, antifreeze, auto batteries, light ballasts (non PCB), brake fluid, cements, degreasers, disinfectants, dry gas, flea products, fluorescent bulbs, gasoline, hobby chemicals, household cleaners, insect repellants,  lacquers, lighter fluids, lubricants, mercury containing devices, paint removers and thinners, pesticides, pool chemicals, rat poisons, rug and upholstery cleaners, solvents, turpentine, varnish, weed killers, and wood stains.

Materials should be in their original containers with the labels on and placed in sturdy cardboard boxes in the back of the vehicle. Leaking containers should be wrapped in newspaper and placed in a clear plastic bag.

The Household Hazardous Waste Facility has also partnered with PaintCare, serving as a drop-off site for leftover latex and oil-based architectural paints, primers, stains, sealers and varnishes. Products can be up to five gallons in size and must be brought to the facility in their original containers with the manufacturer labels intact. Residents can bring a total of 25 gallons per visit.

“Last year we partnered with PaintCare on their new statewide paint recycling program,” Lutestanski said.  “The program has been successful since the facility became a drop-off site, and it allows residents to discard these leftover paint products in a convenient and sustainable way at no cost.”

Used motor oil, household batteries, cell phones, computers, electronic equipment, and appliances containing CFC refrigerant are still accepted year-round at the transfer stations.

There is no charge for county residents to recycle electronic equipment such as computer monitors, microwave ovens, fax machines and televisions. There is a $15 fee to recycle appliances that contain CFC refrigerant.

Oswego County businesses that generate small quantities of hazardous waste and meet the regulatory requirements may be able to use the facility also. Business owners should contact the Oswego County Department of Solid Waste to find out if they qualify and to obtain a cost estimate for disposal of materials.

Free to Oswego County residents, the household hazardous waste disposal program is sponsored by the Oswego County Legislature and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and managed by the Oswego County Department of Solid Waste.