What are latex paints, water-based stains and varnishes?
These products contain water as the solvent to keep the paint liquid. The containers indicate the product can be cleaned up with soap and water. Other key words found on the labels may be "acrylic", "silicone-based" and "keep from freezing."
What can I do with unwanted latex paints, stains and varnishes?
Latex products can safely be disposed of in the regular trash if they are dried out first. For small quantities, take the lid off the can in a well ventilated area and let it dry. For larger quantities, pour the paint in thin layers onto newspapers or plastic, allowing each layer to dry. You may also add cat litter or sawdust to assist in the drying process. Once dried, discard in your weekly garbage.
Other latex products, such as spackling compounds, latex caulking compounds, latex adhesives, etc., may be managed in the same way.
Remember: Discard the cans with the lids off, so the waste haulers know the paint is dry.
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Since 1990, Iowa law has prohibited burying lead-acid batteries in landfills.
The Resource Recovery Plant accepts lead-acid batteries at no charge.
However, Iowa law mandates that retailers who sell these batteries are required to accept used batteries when new ones are purchased. Be sure to return your old battery to the retailer when you buy a new one.
Check with local service stations and salvage businesses to see if they accept used lead-acid batteries.
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What are sharps?
Sharps are syringes, needles and lancets that are used in home health care.
How can I dispose of them?
It is important to store sharps safely. Use a hard plastic container
with a tight screw-on lid. Plastic bleach jugs or liquid detergent
bottles work well. When the container is full you can:
Bring it to the Resource Recovery Plant at your household hazardous
waste appointment.
Take them back. Ask the home health care provider or pharmacy where you obtained the sharps whether they'll accept used sharps.
Call us for assistance. If you have a question about safe disposal of sharps call the Regional Collection Center at 515-888-603-CREW.
Why is it important to dispose of sharps correctly?
If sharps are handled incorrectly, they can cause a needle stick injury or possibly a health risk to a child, someone in your family or a sanitation worker.
Hospitals and clinics must meet strict standards to dispose of these types of sharps. It is important to take the same type of care at home. Therefore, you should:
Never place sharps loose in your garbage.
Do not use a glass container to store sharps.
Do not place sharps in a container without a lid or seal.
Always keep sharps out of the reach of children.
Clearly label containers on all sides with the word "Sharps," especially if the container is recyclable.
What should I do with other home health care medical waste?
To safely dispose of other medicinal wastes, such as bags, tubing, gloves, soiled towels and bedding and other items coming into contact with bodily fluids, double bag them and place the bag in your regular garbage.
Remember: Reinforce the lid of any sharps container with heavy-duty tape.