By Anu Pundari

Common household and automotive products become a hazard to the environment when disposed of improperly. Leftover quantities of these products should never be poured down the
drain, put in trash, or stored for excessive periods of time.  Bring them to the household waste collection sites for safe
disposal at no charge.

Common items include Automotive Fluids, Rechargeable Batteries (Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, Li-ion, Pb), Small Button Batteries , Lithium Batteries , Cleaning Products , Drain Openers, Cooking Oil , Mercury Containing Products , Fluorescent Lamps , Paint Products, Solvents, Hobby Chemicals, Pesticides, Lawn and Garden Products , Pool Chemicals , Propane Cylinders ,Computer Equipment, Printer Cartridges, Items Labeled: Acid, Flammable, Caustic, Poison, Caution, Toxic, Danger or Warning.

Pima County has a Main Site at 2440 West Sweetwater Drive that is open every Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Outreach Sites are open on the first Saturday of each month from 8 am - 12 noon. 1) Eastside City Hall: 7575 E. Speedway Blvd. 2) Tucson Water Plant 2: 1102 W. Irvington Rd. 3) Pusch Ridge Christian Church: 440 W. Calle Concordia, Oro Valley For more information, call 888-6927 or check out the website: http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/es/content/household-hazardous-waste.

Five Steps You Can Take are: 1) Buy only what you need. 2) Read and follow labels. 3) Store properly and in labeled containers. 4) Take leftover quantities to a drop-off site. 5) Use safe alternative products when possible.