Hazardous Waste Disposal
New State Regulations Now in Effect

By Jim Evans

Long gone are the days when people could just leave their unused paint, batteries, leftover solvents, partially full aerosol cans, and fluorescent light bulbs at the curb for the trashman to pick up. The same goes for old television sets, computers, monitors, VCRs, and other modern electronic devices. In fact, most thrift stores and charitable organizations will not even accept the latter any more because they already have more than they can accommodate. All of these items - and more - are considered hazardous waste, and state law prohibits their disposal in curbside trash containers for collection. What to do?

As of Feb. 9, state regulations require that homeowners dispose of universal waste by taking it to a certified household hazardous waste collection facility - curbside pickup of hazardous waste is not available. According to John Snyder, General Manager of Ramona Disposal Service, "The County manages the Ramona Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility at the Ramona Disposal Services Transfer Station at 324 Maple Street in Ramona for residents of Ramona, Julian, Santa Ysabel, Lakeside, Ranchita, and other unincorporated communities. It is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - except holidays - and no appointment is necessary."

What is Household Hazardous Waste?

Hazardous waste are unused or leftover portions of products containing toxic chemicals used around the home. Products labeled Caution, Warning, Danger, Poison, Toxic, Flammable or Corrosive are considered hazardous. Household hazardous waste includes leftover: aerosol, lighter fluid, all purpose cleaner, used oil/oil filters, antifreeze, oven cleaner, auto batteries, oil-based paint, latex paint, disinfectants, pesticides, auto fluids, drain openers, pool chemicals, gasoline (w/containers), solvents, furniture polish, electronic waste.

Ramona Permanent Collection Facility will not accept: business waste, tires, explosives and radioactive material or medical waste!

The following universal wastes may not be placed out for curbside collection or disposed of in a bin/container meant for solid waste:

Common Batteries - AA, AAA, D cells, C cells and button batteries (e.g. hearing aid batteries); Fluorescent tubes and bulbs including mercury containing lamps;

Electronic Devices - televisions, computers and computer monitors, printers, VCR's, cell phones, telephones, radios and microwave ovens;

Pilot Light Sensors - Mercury containing switches are found in some gas appliances such as stoves, ovens, clothes dryers, water heaters, furnaces and space heaters;

Items containing Mercury - Gauges, thermometers, thermostats and switches.

Recycling televisions and monitors are currently accepted to be recycled at the transfer station Monday through Saturday, between 7 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. The rate is $10 per unit. Remember the service above is for televisions and computer monitors only.

Hazardous waste facilities are also located in El Cajon and Miramar (appointment only - call first).

For a complete list of hazardous materials and other information on universal waste, refer to the Ramona Disposal Services website at www.ramonadisposal.com or call (760) 789-0516. For Hazardous Waste Disposal specifically, call (877) 713-2784.