Green Tip: Household Hazardous Waste Collection

YUCK!! Don't pour this stuff down the drain -- Dispose of your household chemicals safely by dropping them off at the City of Chicago's permanent Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility at 1150 N. North Branch Street (two blocks east of the Kennedy Expressway at Division Street).. You can recycle your old computers and cellphones there too.

Household chemicals and computers often contain hazardous substances, such as lead, mercury, and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) which can contaminate our air, soil and water. Through proper disposal methods or recycling, these hazardous substances are reprocessed and reused in an environmentally-responsible manner.

The Household Chemical and Computer Recycling Facility accepts a range of items, including household cleaners, oil-based paints, solvents, cell phones, compact fluorescent light bulbs, computers and related equipment to name a few. It does not accept business/commercial sector wastes, explosives, fireworks or latex paint. 

During business hours, an attendant will help unload your vehicle and accept your materials. 

Materials should not be left outside the facility unattended. Scheduled business hours are:

• Tuesdays, 7 a.m. - Noon

• Thursdays, 2 p.m. - 7 p.m.

• The first Saturday of every month 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

See which items will be accepted by visiting this link.

And check out their Green Neighborhood Guide here.

Courtesy of MWRD, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District

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