Lynnfield to hold waste collection day Nov. 15

LYNNFIELD-Residents will have the opportunity to clean out their attics, basements, and garages of hazardous items that can?t get tossed in with the rest of their garbage.On Saturday, Nov. 15 from 8 a.m. to noon in the parking lot of Lynnfield High School, members of the Public Works Department will be sponsoring a “Hazardous Waste Collection Day” that allows residents to safely drop off hard-to-throw-away items, such as motor oil, car batteries and weed killers.Those participating will have to prove their residency in the town of Lynnfield with a valid driver?s license.The cost is free for the most part. Residents will only be charged for bulkier items, such as computer monitors ($20), large grill-like propane tanks ($6), and small propane tanks ($4). Paint strippers, oil-based paints, chemical fertilizers, engine degreasers, anti-freeze, aerosol cans, and pool chemicals can all be disposed of for free.A thermometer exchange program has also been set up for those interested in safely exchanging their glass thermometers for a non-mercury digital one. To partake in the opportunity, residents are asked to transport their thermometers in an unbreakable plastic container.Regular trash, latex paint, radioactive waste, biological waste, ammunition, fireworks, fire extinguishers and prescription medicines, however, will not be accepted.The town urges residents to take proper safety precautions when traveling with toxic materials. They suggest leaving all materials in their original containers and making sure that all lids are tightly fastened. Paint, pesticides and household cleaners should be packed separately. The DPW also highly suggests not mixing chemicals or smoking when handling hazardous materials.Because the town is being charged per carload up to 25 pounds or 25 gallons, the DPW asks that residents “buddy up” with their neighbors to help reduce the overall cost of the process.For more information, contact the Lynnfield DPW office at 781-334-9500.