Illinois residents can drop off old paint, pesticides, batteries and other household chemicals for free Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Lake Forest Municipal Services building.
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) is holding its last mobile collection event of the year at 800 N Field Drive from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., according to a notice posted by the agency. An online appointment is required before showing up.
The program accepts residential waste only. No business, commercial or institutional materials will be taken.
What you can bring
The accepted items list covers a wide range of common garage and under-the-sink hazards:
- Interior and exterior paint (latex, oil-based, enamel)
- Pesticides, herbicides, fertilizer and insecticide
- Motor oil, antifreeze, gasoline and brake fluid
- Batteries (alkaline, rechargeable, damaged or defective; no automotive or marine lead-acid)
- Aerosol products such as spray paint and bug spray
- Drain cleaners, household cleaners and pool chemicals
- Fluorescent lamps, including CFL bulbs and tubes
- Cooking oils and fats
- Solvents, paint removers and driveway sealers
Containers larger than a standard five-gallon bucket will not be collected. SWALCO caps each waste type at 20 gallons per household.
What stays home
Electronics, propane tanks, tires, fire extinguishers and fireworks are not accepted at this event.
Battery safety tip
SWALCO advises residents to tape over the terminals of rechargeable and long-life non-rechargeable batteries before bringing them in. Exposed terminals can spark on contact with other batteries, creating a fire risk. Place each battery in its own sealed plastic bag as an alternative.
How to sign up
Appointments can be scheduled through SWALCO's household chemical waste page. Residents with questions can call SWALCO at 847-377-4950.
After Saturday's event, the next opportunity to dispose of household chemicals through SWALCO is at the agency's year-round facility in Gurnee, which holds collections twice a month except in December.
