Cook County residents will be able to dispose of their household hazardous waste in an environmentally-friendly manner on Saturday, April 13, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Brookfield Zoo, North Parking Lot, 8400 W. 31st St. in Brookfield.
Items that residents may bring include unwanted medicines, chemical cleaners, aerosol and oil-based paints, paint thinners, antifreeze, weed killers, insecticides, pesticides, and similar hazardous household products. Batteries and electronic waste will also be collected. Smoke detectors, agricultural chemicals, controlled substances and sharps will not be accepted. Latex paint is not considered hazardous; it can be dried and taken out with the regular trash.
Contractor, agricultural, business, governmental, commercial, industrial, school or public works wastes cannot be accepted.
While they are routinely used to clean, maintain vehicles, and garden, household hazardous waste poses an environmental threat. Consumer product labels that include “danger,” “warning,” or “caution” are an indication that the product should be disposed of in a special manner.
If residents are unable to participate, the city of Chicago offers a permanent collection site at 1150 N. North Branch on Goose Island. It is open Tues: 7 a.m. – noon; Thurs.: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., and the first Saturday of each month: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. More information is available at https://chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/healthy_communities/svcs/household-chemicals—computer-recycling-facility-overview.html
Please call the MWRD if you have any questions at 312-751-6633.