When to drop off household hazardous waste in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND)—As the weather gets colder, you may be cleaning out your garage, such as old paint or lawn chemicals. You can do this at the fall hazardous waste collection drop-off in Springfield.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, in collaboration with the City of Springfield, will host a voucher-only residential Household Hazardous Waste Collection event on Saturday, October 23.

To request a voucher, click here or call 217.789.2255. A voucher is required to drop off items. Registration will end after all of the time slots are filled. If you arrive early, miss your time slot, or misplace your voucher, organizers say you will be sent to an overflow traffic area and must wait.

Drop-offs will only happen between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Organizers ask drivers to enter through Gate 6 and then go to Lot 21, following the signs and traffic. Participants are required to wear a facemask and will exit through Gate 7.

Items acceptable at drop-off:

· Acids/Corrosives

· Aerosol paints

· Antifreeze/coolant

· Cleaning products

· Drain cleaners

· Fertilizers

· Fluorescent tubes/compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL)

· Fuel additives/cleaners

· Hobby chemicals

· Insecticides/pesticides/herbicides

· Lawn chemicals

· Lead acid or Lithium batteries

· Mercury thermostats & thermometers

· Oil-based paints

· Old & outdated medications/pharmaceuticals

· Old gasoline

· Paint thinners/strippers

· Pool chemicals

· Solvents

· Used motor oil

Organizers remind people that latex or acrylic paint is not a hazardous waste and will not be accepted. If you need to dispose of that paint, visit the City of Springfield's website. If you have a question regarding the program, organizers ask you to contact the Office of Public Works at 217.789.2255 or e-mail public.works@springfield.il.us.

The drop-off is offered to all Illinois residents.