Hazardous waste disposal Saturday in Peabody

PEABODY-The city will hold its annual Household Hazardous Waste Day on Saturday, June 12, 2010 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Department of Public Services, 50 Farm Avenue.The event, which will be held rain or shine, provides residents with the opportunity to dispose of hazardous materials in an environmentally responsible manner. The maximum amount of material a resident can dispose is a full car load which is 25 gallons or 25 pounds. Contractors may not use Household Hazardous Waste Day to dispose of materials.Clean Harbors Environmental Services will be on site to accept oil-based paints (no latex paint), varnishes, pesticides, spray cans and other household hazardous chemicals. There will be a $20 fee for Peabody residents. TVs and computer monitors will be accepted with the purchase of a $10 sticker, also available on-site. In addition, residents may dispose of mercury-containing waste, including batteries, thermometers, thermostats, and fluorescent lamps at no cost. Please be advised that the city allows residents to drop off waste oil, car batteries, tires, and propane tanks during normal business hours year round at 50 Farm Avenue.A full list of accepted materials may be obtained from the Health Department at 978-538-5926 or Department of Public Services at 978-536-0600, or at www.peabody-ma.gov and on local cable. Clean Harbors will not be accepting commercial/industrial waste, latex paint, ammunition, asbestos, radioactive material, fire extinguishers, or medical or biological wastes.There is a $20 per household charge for Peabody residents to dispose of hazardous waste, payable by check to “Clean Harbors.” Proof of residency is required. Non-residents may drop off materials only from 11 a.m. n 1 p.m. and will be required to pay the full fee of $28 for up to 10 pounds/gallons or $45 for up to 25 pounds/gallons.To ensure safety, please adhere to the following handling procedures: leave materials in original labeled containers; tighten caps and lids; place containers in sturdy upright boxes rather than in garbage bags; avoid smoking while handling hazardous materials. Most importantly, do not mix chemicals.For more information call the Health Department at 978-538-5926.