Hazardous waste collected

by Staff Writer - Vernon Morning Star posted Dec 13, 2015 at 1:00 AM

Hazardous waste collection is under one roof. The Regional District of North Okanagan has launched an Eco Depot at Interior Freight and Bottle Depot at 4205 24th Ave. in Vernon. Beginning Tuesday, residents can drop off household hazardous waste (HHW) free of charge, year-round, during regular Interior Freight hours of operation. “The Eco Depot replaces the Household Hazardous Waste Round-Up which had previously taken place annually in the fall,” said Dale Danallanko, RDNO’s recycling and disposal facilities operations manager. Funding for establishment of the Eco Depot was provided by RDNO through the federal gas tax program. “You will no longer have to store this material in your basement, garage or shed until the next HHW Round-Up,” said Danallanko.

Residential quantities of the following categories of material will be accepted:
Paint;
Batteries (household and automotive);
Aerosols;
Antifreeze;
Fuel;
Pesticides;
Solvents.

A product is hazardous if the words danger, warning or caution appear on the product label. Hazardous material can be toxic, flammable, corrosive, reactive or any combination. Improper disposal of HHW can be hazardous and can pose an environmental risk. “Residents are encouraged to take their HHW to the Eco Depot for proper disposal,” said Danallanko. Residents should take precautions when transporting HHW for disposal:

Make sure containers have a tight-fitting lid to prevent leaks; If possible, keep the material in the original container so it can be easily identified; Place your items in a sturdy box and keep the box upright to prevent spills, do not pack materials in plastic bags, and; Transport HHW in the trunk of your vehicle, away from children, food or pets. For more information on HHW disposal, go to www.rdno.ca. For more information on Interior Freight and Bottle Depot, including other products accepted for recycling and hours of operations, go to www.interiorrecycling.com.