Deschutes County hosting three household hazardous waste collection events in Redmond, Sisters and La Pine

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- This May and June, the Deschutes County Department of Solid Waste will be hosting three household hazardous waste collection events for the communities of Redmond, Sisters and La Pine.

These special, one-day events will give residents the opportunity to drop off their household hazardous waste items FREE of charge.

“Common household waste like paint, garden fertilizers and batteries can harm the environment and pose health risks if not disposed of properly,” said Tim Brownell, Deschutes County’s Director of Solid Waste.

“Since our rural transfer stations aren’t currently equipped to accept household hazardous waste, we’re offering these free events so residents can safely dispose the items and help prevent them from ending up in the landfill.”

Items that will be accepted at the collection events include:    

• Oil and latex paints and stains
• Thinners, solvents, fuels
• Oil soaked rags and absorbents
• Pool and spa chemicals
• Garden products (herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, etc.)
• Vehicle fluids (coolants, lubricants, fuels, brake fluid, transmission fluid, etc.)
• Propane tanks and camp stove cylinders
• Aerosols (paints, garden sprays, cleaners, etc.)
• Mercury and Mercury-containing items (thermometers, thermostats, etc.)
• Fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent bulbs
• Rechargeable batteries
• Household cleaners

Items that will not be accepted include:

• Business-generated hazardous waste
• Medical waste
• Explosives, fireworks, ammunition
• Compressed gas cylinders (propane tanks and cylinders are accepted)
• Barrels
   

Collection event location, date and hours of operation for each community is listed below.

• Redmond – Negus Transfer Station

           2400 NE Maple Ave.

           Saturday, May 18, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• Sisters - Sisters Recycling Center

            328 W. Sisters Park Dr.

            Saturday, June 1, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• La Pine - La Pine High School (front parking lot)

           51633 Coach Rd.

           Saturday, June 22, 9 a.m. -1 p.m.

*Household hazardous waste is also accepted free of charge two weekends each month at the Knott Landfill Hazardous Waste Facility in southeast Bend. Residents should check the Solid Waste calendar for dates and hours of operation.

For more information, please call the Department of Solid Waste at (541) 317-3163.