Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Question: I have a thermometer with mercury in it. Where can I dispose it? City offers a deal to collect
household hazardous wasteAnswer: If you call the city immediately at 523-4774 or e-mail it at info@opala.org, you still may be able to schedule an appointment for disposal on Saturday.
Otherwise, it'll be three months before the city schedules its next drop-off date for household-generated hazardous wastes that require "special handling." The deadline for making an appointment is about a week or so in advance.
Mercury thermometers should not simply be thrown in the trash because they may break, causing the mercury to volatize and creating a toxic hazard, said James Louis, in charge of the household hazardous waste program for the city refuse department.
He also emphasized that the only products the city accepts for disposal must be household generated -- nothing commercial or from an institution.
You can make an appointment to dispose of the following household products that require special handling: mercury, paint stripper, paint thinner, paraquat, pentachlorophenol, Paris green, photographic chemicals (muriatic acid, etc.), rust remover, solvents, swimming pool chemicals, turpentine, varathane and wood preservatives.
You can dispose the following on your own: aluminum cleaners (flush down drain); ammonia cleaners (flush down drain); antifreeze (absorb and trash); auto battery (return to retailer); auto repair products (trash can); bathroom cleaners (flush down drain); household batteries (trash can); brake fluid (absorb and trash); bug sprays (spray); diesel fuel (absorb and trash); disinfectants (flush down drain); drain cleaners (flush down drain); fiberglass (trash can); floor care products (absorb and trash); furniture polish (absorb and trash); hair permanent lotions (flush down drain); hair relaxers (flush down drain); liquid medicines (flush down drain); pill medicines (trash can); metal polish with solvent (trash can); oil products, motor oil, cutting oil, fuel oil (absorb and trash); oven cleaner (trash can); paint (absorb and trash; see also sprays); primer (absorb and trash); propane tank (drop off); shoe polish (trash can); toilet bowl cleaners (flush down drain); transmission fluid (absorb and trash); tub and tile cleaners (flush down drain); varnish (absorb and trash); and window cleaners (flush down drain).
All this information can be found on the city Web site www.opala.org/waste_disposal_at_home/household_hazardous_waste.html#dispose.
Use plenty of water when flushing down the drain, then rinse and throw empty containers in the trash.
For sprays, place absorbent material in a plastic bag, spray until the can is empty (be careful not to inhale fumes), leave can in bag, then tie and throw into trash container.
For propane tanks, make sure the tank is empty and then take to a city Drop-Off Convenience Center. Alternatively, take tanks (empty or not) to Gaspro to dispose of for a fee.
To absorb and trash, pour liquid into a plastic bag with absorbent material, such as shredded newspaper, old rags, or sawdust; seal the bag, then throw in trash can. Or use an oil change box. Paints can be hardened in the can, then thrown away.
The law requires retailers of car batteries to accept your old battery when you purchase a replacement. For excess batteries, call a battery recycler or ask retailers if they'll accept additional batteries.
Got a question or complaint?
Call 529-4773, fax 529-4750, or write to Kokua Line,
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210,
Honolulu 96813. As many as possible will be answered.
Email to kokualine@starbulletin.com