Press Release

Simi Valley, September 8, 2009 - Waste Management reminds all Ventura County residents that the improper disposal of household hazardous waste (HHW) poses a threat to the environment. However, properly disposing of HHW is as simple as just using it all up!

Many of the products that we use at home contain hazardous substances. Paints, cleaners, bug spray, garden chemicals, automotive products, aerosol cans and anything labeled flammable, corrosive, toxic, or reactive are all examples of products we may have around the home that are hazardous. When these products are no longer useful, they become what we call "HHW."

"Making sure you use up all of a product that contains hazardous substances is a really easy way to go green and may even save you some time and money," explains Lisa Hemenway, Community Relations Manager for Waste Management. "Check with your neighbors before you go out and buy any of these products and let them know if you have any extra that they can use."

HHW can be collected at scheduled collection events, or dropped off at special facilities, many of which are conveniently located in your community. Here are some examples:

Simi Valley - 3rd Saturday of every other month, call for appointment at 805-583-6321

Calabasas - latex paint and used oil only, 2nd Saturday each month at the Calabasas City Hall - 100 Civic Center Way from 10 am - 2 pm

Moorpark - The second Friday and Saturday of each month in Camarillo, call for appointment at 805-987-0717 or the 3rd Saturday of every other month in Simi Valley, call for appointment at 805-583-6321.

To find on going mobile collection events and other drop-off centers call 888-CLEANLA or visit or www.888cleanla.com or www.KeepingVenturaCountyClean.com

However, while dropping your HHW at authorized facilities is safe and convenient, transporting the waste taxes natural resources and storing it takes up valuable landfill space.

The easiest solutions are 1) Buy only what you actually need, and 2) Use it up; use all of the hazardous substance prior to disposing of it. Then, instead of having to dispose of a product as HHW, you can simply recycle the empty container.

For example, the next time you treat your lawn and you have some chemicals left over, instead of throwing it away, ask your neighbor if he or she could use them. If you have some paint left over from your latest home improvement project, try using the extra to give high-traffic areas an extra coat.

Residents can also use www.freecycle.com to find or give away any products in your area. Signing up, as well as everything posted on the site, is free.

Finishing off any products containing hazardous substances is the easiest and most effective way to reduce hazardous waste. By reducing, using it up and recycling, residents can conserve natural resources, protect the environment and help maintain a clean, safe community.

Waste Management provides Ventura County with recycling, trash hauling and solid waste disposal through G.I. Industries and the Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center. Waste Management has owned and operated G.I. Industries since 1998 and the SVLRC site since 1983 and employs more than 230 people in Ventura County. The SVLRC provides approximately 60% of Ventura County's daily refuse disposal needs. The company operates a “green power” program at the site that generates enough power for 2,500 homes, and clean-burning LNG powers 38 of its trucks. Waste Management is a significant contributor to area community groups. For more information visit our website www.keepingventuracountyclean.com.