The Household Hazardous Waste facility at the Kingston Area Recycling Centre (KARC), 196 Lappan’s Lane, is closing for the season with its last days to drop off household hazardous materials on Thursday, Nov. 25 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Saturday, Nov. 27 (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
A full list of items that can and cannot be brought to the KARC is available at the City’s Household Hazardous Waste page, but include: pesticides, batteries (single-use, rechargeable and automotive), solvents, pool chemicals, removers or strippers, paint, paint thinners, oven cleaners, bleach, drain cleaners, ammonia, motor oil and motor oil containers, antifreeze, propane cylinders and compact fluorescent light bulbs.
Note that proof of residency (i.e., driver’s license, health card, etc.) is required as the City reports households that visit the facility from Kingston, as well as from adjacent municipalities.
Medications, batteries and compact fluorescent bulbs can be disposed of as follows:
- Medications: return unused or expired medications and sharps for free to participating pharmacies in Kingston. List of medication collection locations
- Batteries: Drop off batteries (single-use and rechargeable only) any time during operating hours at: City Hall, 216 Ontario St.; INVISTA Centre, 1350 Gardiners Rd.; or the main office at KARC.
- Compact fluorescent bulbs: These are accepted year-round in the main office at KARC.
During the winter, hazardous materials should be stored in original containers in a cool, dry place, safely away from food, children or pets.
“Never put hazardous waste in the garbage or down the drain,” states a City release. “Look for warning labels and instructions on products and handle any potentially hazardous materials with care. Do not mix hazardous materials and, when possible, bring items in their original containers.”
See the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority website for a list of retailers who accept certain hazardous waste items year-round.
Photo: Google