Mt. Prospect to host hazardous waste collection events

The village of Mount Prospect Public Works Department is hosting special Household Hazardous Waste Collection events from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug, 15 and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, at Melas Park, 1500 W. Central Road, Mount Prospect. These special collection events are open to Mount Prospect residents only. No business or commercial waste will be accepted.

Collection is by appointment only. Residents can schedule an appointment on the village's website, www.mountprospect.org/hhw.

Email or printout of appointment confirmation will be required for entry to the event. A limited number of appointments are available.

Residents may bring harsh chemical cleaners, paints, thinners, antifreeze, weed killers, insecticides and pesticides and similar hazardous household products to the event for collection. Explosives, fireworks, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, agricultural chemicals and business wastes will not be accepted. A complete list of acceptable and unacceptable items can be found at www.mountprospect.org/hhw.

All participants must follow these safety guidelines:

• Residents must wear a mask and remain in their vehicle while on property.

• IDs/appointment confirmation printouts will be checked through a closed window to verify residency. There will be no handling of a driver's license or appointment confirmation printouts.

• Residents will unlock/open the trunk from inside the vehicle and allow staff to unload the items.

• Chemicals should be contained in one area in the back of vehicle.

• If a person has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus or is experiencing symptoms, do not attend this event.

• Site/event coordinator may refuse service if a resident fails to comply with the safety guidelines.

"We are proud to offer collection events that provide the most environmentally-friendly method possible to safely dispose of hazardous materials - it is one of the most frequently asked questions we get from residents," said Public Works Director Sean Dorsey. "The Mount Prospect Public Works Department is a leader in sustainability - these events are another example of our commitment to environmentally conscious initiatives."

For residents who are unable to participate in these collection events, there are long-term collection sites in Naperville and Rockford. These two locations are open each Saturday and Sunday to provide area residents with locations to take their household hazardous waste. For details, see www.mountprospect.org/hhw.

For information about the village's recycling program and other special programs offered, visit www.mountprospect.org.