Starting in July, Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula residents can drop off their household hazardous waste at the Purdy Transfer Station in Gig Harbor free of charge on the second Friday and Saturday of each month. The transfer station is located at 14515 54th Ave., and is open from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. daily.
Household hazardous waste is leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients. Examples include cleaners, fluorescent light bulbs and oil paint.
Items should be placed in boxes before they are brought to the transfer station. Collection staff will unload the boxes from each vehicle.
2012 household hazardous waste collection dates
• July 13 - 14• Aug. 10 - 11
• Sept. 14 - 15• Oct. 12 - 13
• Nov. 9 - 10• Dec. 14 - 15
Disposing household hazardous waste
This type of waste requires special disposal to avoid harmful effects on the environment and human health. Household hazardous waste should not be poured down the drain, onto the ground or into storm sewers, or placed in the trash.
Look for words and phrases like "caution," "harmful if swallowed," "poison," and "keep out of reach of children" if you are unsure if a product is hazardous.
Other Pierce County disposal sitesPierce County residents can dispose of their household hazardous waste at the following locations:
• Tacoma Landfill, 3510 S Mullen St. in Tacoma, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily• Hidden Valley Transfer Station, 17925 Meridian St E. in Puyallup. The Hazardous Waste Facility is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. It is closed noon to 1 p.m.
More information about household hazardous waste disposal, including a list of accepted items, is available on the Pierce County website at www.piercecountywa.org/hhw.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Sheryl Rhinehart, Public Works and Utilities outreach coordinator(253) 798-4655[email protected]
Rick Johnston, Public Works and Utilities solid waste project coordinator(253) 798-4657[email protected]