Hazardous waste depot opens for the season
This Thursday is not only April Fool’s day but also the opening of Kingston’s Household Hazardous Waste Depot.
The Hazardous Waste Depot is located at the Kingston Area Recycling Centre, 196 Lappan’s Lane, and is open Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The depot accepts household hazardous waste items.
“Physical distancing and contactless service measures are in place, and residents are reminded to follow the directions provided by the depot attendants while visiting,” the City of Kingston said in a release dated Monday, Mar. 29, 2021.
The City asks that residents stay in their vehicles while waiting to be served by an attendant. Those who attend will be asked to either place their items into a basket provided by the attendant or stay in their vehicle while the attendant empties the items from their vehicle.
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) includes items such as adhesives, aerosol containers, antifreeze, batteries (all kinds), compact fluorescent lights and tubes, fire extinguishers, fuels, household cleaners, mercury devices (switches, thermometers and thermostats), oil, paint, propane cylinders and solvents.
Look for warning labels and instructions on products and handle any potentially hazardous materials with care, the City said. Do not mix hazardous materials and, when possible, bring items to the depot in their original containers.
The City asks residents to not bring these items to the HHW Depot:
Asbestos, incandescent light bulbs or smoke detectors (smoke detectors can go in your garbage). To dispose of explosives, flares or ammunition, contact Kingston Police for assistance at 613-549-4660.
Certain household hazardous waste items can be dropped off at other locations, according to the release.
- Expired or unused pharmaceuticals and your needles: www.healthsteward.ca/returns/ontario. If you find a needle, do not touch it. Contact KFL&A Public Health via the Street Health Centre at 613-549-1440 to report its location.
- See www.makethedrop.ca or productcare.org to find a list of retailers that take some household hazardous waste items.
Never put hazardous material in with regular garbage or recycling and never pour it down a drain or toilet. Store hazardous material in original containers in a cool, dry place safely away from food, children or pets until you can bring it to the household hazardous waste facility, the City said.
In addition to bringing proof of residency, residents are asked to wear a non-medical mask as well as washing or sanitizing their hands before and after visiting.