DUMP IT!

It’s spring, time to get rid of everything that’s accumulated in the house and yard. Many items can be recycled or donated to charities. But what about all those odd items charities won’t accept like broken radios, aging computers, leftover prescription drugs and that mysterious chemical in the garage from 1952? Where to get rid of old propane tanks, broken appliances and rusty metal?

Many of these shouldn’t go to the landfill or down the drain because it’s not safe for the environment or it’s against local health district rules.

Snohomish County provides a way to get rid of most of it, although different items go different places. County agents will help people find a way to dispose unusual items not on this list.

WHERE TO TAKE IT

Appliances: If you can get the appliance to the street, JACO Environmental will pick it up for a fee (800-414-5072). Local appliance stores often take old appliances and some will pick them up from your house. If you can get the appliances to the transfer station, many can be recycled for free.

Antifreeze: Up to 10 gallons accepted at the hazardous waste drop.

Asbestos: Call the Washington State Clean Air Agency or go to its Web site at www.pscleanair.org and click on “Asbestos &Demolition.”

Barbed wire fencing: Transfer station.

Barrels, drums or cans with petroleum-based or chemical products: Hazardous waste drop.

Burn barrels: Transfer station

Concrete: Less than a wheelbarrowful can be dumped at the transfer station. For more, call the county in advance.

Electronics: TVs, VCRs, computer monitors, microwaves, radios, copiers, stereo equipment, blenders, other electronics: Begin by calling the manufacturer, which often takes back equipment for a fee. Staples, for instance, will take old computer monitors. These can also be dropped at the transfer station for a fee.

Explosives: Call the local police department or the county sheriff to dispose of fireworks, ammunition and other explosives.

Hazardous waste: batteries, bleach, brake fluid, chemistry sets, drain cleaner, floor wax, fluorescent tubes, fungicide, furniture polish, glues, herbicides, insecticides, mildew removers, moth balls, oven cleaner, paint thinner, paint, varnish or stain, photographic chemicals, pool chemicals, rug and upholstery cleaners, shoe or silver polish, solvents, transmission fluid, wood preservatives. Take to a hazardous waste drop.

Fluorescent light fixtures: The transfer station will take up to 12 at no charge for residents. Businesses pay a fee. Pre-1975 light fixtures may include ballast with hazardous chemicals. Call the hazardous waste station with questions.

Mattresses and covered box springs: Transfer station.

Medical waste: Call the Snohomish Health District’s Solid Waste and Toxics division for disposal information at 425-339-5250.

Motor oil and oil filters: Less than 10 per resident accepted at any solid waste facility.

Paint: Hazardous waste drop station for liquid paint. Dried paint is accepted at transfer stations. Empty paint cans should be disposed of in the regular garbage.

Pesticides: Accepted at the hazardous waste station in the original container.

Prescription drugs (pharmaceuticals): Don’t flush them down the toilet. The sewer system isn’t set up to treat drugs and the remains end up in sediment and ground water. The county is working on creating a program to take back unused pharmaceuticals. Until then, leave them in their original container. Add a small amount of water or kitty liter to the unused drugs, wrap them in newspaper, enclose them in a bag and place with the regular garbage. Adding the water or kitty litter is meant to discourage anyone one else from using the drug.

Scrap metal: Homeowners can recycle scrap metal and many household appliances for free at all county transfer stations and drop boxes. The county will take aluminum, animal cages, auto parts, baseboard heaters, bed springs, bicycles, brass, cast iron bathtubs, cast iron sinks, copper, cable, wire, metal banding, lawn chairs, lawn mowers (drain gas and oil), metal pipes, metal sheds, metal swing sets, tire chains, tire rims (without tires), truck canopies (wood and glass removed), window frames (without glass) and window screens.

Syringes: Sharps collectors are available at pharmacies. Once it’s filled, return it to the pharmacy for safe disposal.

Tanks: Propane bottles, oxygen tanks. Bring to hazardous waste stations or return to the manufacturer.

Thermostats containing mercury: Hazardous waste station.

Tires: Up to five are accepted at transfer stations. Most tire dealers will also accept tires for a reasonable fee.

Vehicles: Contact a wrecking yard for disposal.

COUNTY DROP LOCATIONS

TRANSFER STATIONS

Airport Road Recycling &Transfer Station 10700 Minuteman Drive, Everett; Monday-Friday: 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

North County Recycling &Transfer Station 19600 63rd Ave. NE, Arlington; Monday-Friday: 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Southwest Recycling &Transfer Station 21311 61st Place W., Mountlake Terrace; Monday-Friday: 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

SOLID WASTE

DROP BOXES

Oso Drop Box 30022 Ramstad Road; Sunday: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Gold Bar Drop Box 42819 U.S. 2; Saturday: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Granite Falls Drop Box 7526 Menzel Lake Road; Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Dubuque Road Drop Box (formerly called the Lake Roesiger Drop Box) 19619 Dubuque Road, Snohomish; Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sultan Drop Box, 33014 Cascade View Drive; Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

FEES

Solid waste fees (cash or check only; no credit or debit cards)

360 pounds or less, $17 (includes tax) (minimum fee)

Over 360 pounds, $89 per ton (plus tax)

Recycling fees

Many items can be recycled for free.

Electronics recycling is available only at transfer stations. Fees vary.

Unsecured load fee

$5 (gross vehicle weight 8,000 pounds or less)

$10 (gross vehicle weight over 8,000 pounds)

Household hazardous waste drop-off station