Free household hazardous-waste collection Saturday in La Quinta and Blythe

The Riverside County Department of Waste Resources has scheduled a free household hazardous waste collection event for Saturday, November 23 at the Blythe Landfill and in La Quinta. The collection is open to all Riverside County residents.

The event will accept household hazardous waste from Riverside County residents only. Waste from businesses or non-profits will not be accepted. Typical waste includes used motor oil, paint, antifreeze, household and automotive batteries, pesticides, cleaning products, sharps (needles/syringes or lancets) in a sharps container, unused medication (except controlled substances), fluorescent lamps, and electronic waste such as televisions, computers, VCRs and telephones.

It is illegal to transport more than 15 gallons, or 125 pounds, of hazardous waste per car trip. Individual containers should be no larger than five gallons nor weigh more than 50 pounds. The collection will not accept explosives, radioactive material, ammunition, asbestos, compressed-gas cylinders over 40 pounds, or infectious or medical waste other than sharps.

Mixed loads containing trash and household hazardous waste will be charged according to the landfill fee schedule. For mixed loads, please place household hazardous waste at the rear of the load to be unloaded first.

The event is subject to cancellation during inclement weather or for other hazardous conditions as determined by the county. The event is scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following locations:

Blythe Landfill, 1000 Midland Road in Blythe 

South City Hall Parking Lot, 78495 Calle Tampico in La Quinta 

For more information, contact the Riverside County Department of Waste Resources at (951) 486-3200 or (800) 304-2226, or  http://www.rcwaste.org/hhw.