IEPA household hazardous waste collection at NIU June 21

Northern Illinois University—in conjunction with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, DeKalb Fire Department, DeKalb County Health Department and Heritage Environmental –will host a household hazardous waste collection on Saturday, June 21. The household hazardous waste collection allows citizens the opportunity to safely dispose of unused or leftover household products commonly found in homes, basements and garages.

“NIU is pleased to do its part in providing a drop-off location for the safe disposal of household hazardous waste,” said NIU Vice President of Operations and Community Relations Bill Nicklas. “The university is committed to partnering in community activities that promote sustainable practices.”

The one-day collection is scheduled to take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.  at NIU Lot 25, Rt. 38/Lincoln Hwy. and West Stadium Drive, DeKalb. Traffic will enter through NIU Lots K and L off of Lincoln Highway heading north. Traffic will continue heading west on Stadium Drive South turning right into Lot 25. Once vehicles depart the drop off Location they will continue heading west through Lot 25 turning left and proceeding south back to Lincoln Highway.

“The Illinois EPA is pleased to work with community partners to offer this important service to Illinois residents,” said the IEPA’s David Saladino.  “These community household hazardous waste collections are essential in ensuring that hazardous materials are disposed of properly.”

Residents are encouraged to bring oil-based paints, thinners, chemical cleaners, unwanted pharmaceuticals, mercury and mercury-containing items, antifreeze, motor oil, gasoline, kerosene, weed killers, insecticides, pesticides, adhesives, hobby chemicals, household batteries and similar products. Fluorescent and other high-intensity discharge lamps may also be brought to the collections. The public is encouraged to find alternative uses for latex paint since it is not considered hazardous.

Items not accepted include explosives, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, medical waste, sharps, controlled substances, agricultural chemicals and all business wastes. Propane tanks and lead acid auto batteries cannot be accepted at most of the events, but should be taken to local recyclers.

Since the creation of the household hazardous waste collection program in 1989, nearly 431,000 Illinois households have been served. Nearly 500 one-day events have been held, and more than 84,500 fifty-five gallon drums of toxic materials have been collected from Illinois residents.