Why Do We Recycle Hazardous Waste?
Disposing hazardous waste properly is important! Besides having a safe place to dispose of it, it can also be turned into new materials like new paint or new energy! We’ve compiled a list of our most frequent items received at our Household Hazardous & Electronic Waste Depot.
Paint
Latex and water-based stains are generally non-toxic but may contain metallic pigments which are considered hazardous. Oil-based paints and stains are flammable and may contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which are quite hazardous.
All paints and coatings that we collect are transported by our contractor to Loop Recycled Products in Niagara Falls, ON where it is recycled into new paint. Loop paint is available to purchase at discounted prices compared to other high-quality paints, at Giant Tiger.
For more information, visit https://www.looppaints.com/.
Batteries
Household batteries contain many different components, including electrical components and materials such as zinc, manganese, and potassium. Larger automotive batteries contain more hazardous materials such as acid and heavy metals.
All household batteries that we collect are shipped to Raw Materials Company (RMC) in Port Colborne, ON where they are processed. All material components of each battery are recycled.
For more information, visit https://www.rawmaterials.com/.
Motor Oil
Motor oil and other automotive fluid can be flammable and contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can be very harmful if released into the environment. This material can pollute drinking water and well as damage wildlife and ecosystems.
Motor oil is collected by our contractor where it is cleaned and refined into lower-grade automotive fluids or disposed of in a safe manner.
Cooking Oil
Cooking oil should never be poured down the drain as it is difficult to remove from the wastewater treatment facilities, creating the potential of it being released into the environment untreated. This can cause damage to ecosystems.
Cooking oil is collected by Rothsay in Cambridge, ON, where it is recycled into ingredients for livestock feed, pet food, and biodiesel.
For more information, visit https://www.rothsay.ca/.
Propane Cylinders and Aerosol Cans
Propane cylinders and aerosol cans both contain contents under pressure, which have the potential to explode if the right conditions are met. Both have the potential to be very flammable.
Propane cylinders and aerosol cans are collected by our contractor, where the pressure is released and the material contained inside is disposed of safely. The cylinder or can becomes recycled steel.
Fluorescent Light Tubes/Bulbs
Fluorescent lamps contain mercury, which is a very hazardous material. If released into the environment, mercury can be extremely toxic to ecosystem health, as well as human health, as it does not break down and can bio-accumulate.
Lamps are collected by our contractor, where the harmful chemicals are removed and disposed of safely and all other materials are recycled when possible.
Where Can I Take My Hazardous Waste?
Disposing of your hazardous waste really is quite simple! All of the above items can be brought to Household Hazardous & Electronic Waste Depot at 75 Wallbridge Cres. We also have mobile events (almost) every Saturday from now until the end of October. We do not accept motor oil or electronic waste at our mobile events, however. They will still need to be brought to our Depot. Check out our Schedule of Events for an event near you!
