Get rid of problem materials safely, and FREE
When the time comes for spring cleaning, it can be hard to know how to dispose of certain items. Hazardous waste is illegal to put in the trash, and should stay out of your home recycling cart. So here is a short guide for disposing of problem materials.
Vaping devices – As concerns rise over the safety of vaping, people are ditching more frequently. Vaping pens, e-cigarettes and other similar devices have batteries that could cause fires, so it is important to keep them out of your home recycling and trash. Instead, bring vaping devices to The Recycling Zone in Eagan for proper disposal. Make sure it is turned off before dropping it off for recycling.
Mercury – Mercury, despite its toxicity, is still used in several products around your home, including thermometers, fluorescent bulbs and non-programmable thermostats. When you’re done using these products, bring them to the Recycling Zone for free, safe disposal. You can even pick up a free digital thermometer when you drop off an old mercury thermometer.
Ammunition – Due to its explosive properties, ammunition should not be placed in your home trash or recycling carts, as it can be dangerous for you and the people collecting them. Instead, bring your ammunition to The Recycling Zone for safe disposal. You may also bring ammunition to your local law enforcement center, but please do not bring ammunition to the Eagan or Burnsville Police Departments, as they have discontinued their collections.
Batteries – Some batteries contain toxic metals like lead and cadmium, which can pose a harm to human health and our water and land if trashed. Bring all your batteries – single-use and rechargeable, small or big – to The Recycling Zone for free drop-off. The metals, acids and plastic that compose batteries can all be used to make new products. Please tape both ends of each battery with any kind of tape to help out Recycling Zone staff.
If you haven’t guessed already, The Recycling Zone accepts lots of hazardous materials for safe disposal, and the best part – it’s all FREE (except tires, TVs, and computer monitors). For a full list of accepted items, visit www.dakotacounty.us and search Recycling Zone.