Mount Prospect hosts hazardous waste collections

The Mount Prospect Public Works Department is collecting household hazardous waste 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15 and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Melas Park, 1500 W. Central Road.

The events are open to Mount Prospect residents only and no business or commercial waste will be accepted. Residents must schedule an appointment at www.mountprospect.org/hhw. Email or printout of appointment confirmation will be required for entry. 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 mountprospect.org/hhw.

All participants must wear a mask and remain in their vehicle, have appointment confirmation and ID confirming residency and unlock/open the trunk from inside the vehicle and allow staff to unload the items.

"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.

For residents who are unable to participate in these collection events, there are long-term collection sites in Naperville and Rockford that are open each Saturday and Sunday. Details are at mountprospect.org/hhw.