Clean up and clear out chemicals properly

There’s nothing like the feeling of cleaning out a messy area,  standing back and admiring the order we've just created.

But when it comes to the garage and workroom there is always that dilemma: What to do with the old paints, pesticides and other toxic products that have outlived their usefulness?

This Saturday, Waukesha County residents can collect all those cans and bottles that should not be pitched in the garbage and have them disposed of properly. From 8 to noon, you can take them to the special household hazardous waste collection at the City Department of Public Works in Delafield, 111 Main St.

Among the items that will be accepted are unusable chemicals, pesticides, wood preservatives, solvents, oil-based paints and mercury-containing products.  Latex paint and non-hazardous materials will not be accepted.

The county also has four year-round collection sites in Muskego, Waukesha, Menomonee Falls and Franklin.

For more information, including a list of acceptable household hazardous waste materials, visit www.waukeshacounty.gov/recycling or call (262) 896-8300.

The program is funded by Waukesha County and Veolia Environmental Services in partnership with the local municipalities. Proof of residency is required.