The disposal of household hazardous wastes such as pesticides, gasoline, oil based paint, household cleaners and solvents in your regular refuse is illegal. Because of this, residents are encouraged to bring any hazardous items they may have to a Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Site. Each year, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) sponsors numerous collections throughout the state, primarily in spring and late summer. Visit http://www.epa.state.il.us/land/hazardous-waste/household-haz-waste to view information on household hazardous waste collections. Also, read the Village’s newsletter, The Communicator, or the Wilmette Life for dates, times, and other information regarding these collections.
Latex paint can be thrown away in your normal trash providing you have solidified the paint. To do this, simply remove the lid from the paint can and allow to air dry or add a solidifying agent such as kitty litter or sand. When the paint cans are placed out with your regular refuse, be sure to leave the lids off of the cans so that the driver can ensure that the paint has been solidified. Paint cans with lids left on will not be collected.
Certain types of batteries are recyclable. These batteries can be taken to certain locations in our area for proper disposal. Battery types and their methods of disposal are as follows:
Household Batteries - (A,C, and D cells) The IEPA considers household batteries to be the least hazardous in terms of environmental impact. Therefore, the IEPA states that consumers may dispose of their household batteries either through the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events or in their normal refuse.
Lead-Acid Batteries - (Auto batteries) Automotive batteries are collectible in the weekly curbside collection program providing the batteries are not cracked or leaking. Additionally, most Sears Automotive Center, Trak Auto, Target, K-Mart, Sam's Club, and Wal-Mart locations will accept car, motorcycle, boat, and tractor batteries. Check your local phone listings for a location near you.
Lithium And Mercury Batteries - (Hearing aid and watch batteries) Lithium and Mercury batteries contain heavy metals that are extremely toxic to our environment. Special care must be taken to dispose of these batteries properly. Contact the following agency to make arrangements to drop-off your Lithium and Mercury batteries:
North Shore Ecology Center
964 ½ Green Bay Road
Winnetka, IL 60093
847-501-3750
10 am - 4 pm
Nickel - Cadmium Batteries - (Car phones, camcorder, power tools, laptop computer, etc.) All Radio Shack and Wal-Mart location accept Ni-Cad batteries or you may call 800.228.8379 or visit www.rbrc.org and enter your zip code to find the nearest location to you that accepts Ni-Cad batteries. The following location accepts Ni-Cad batteries:
North Shore Ecology Center
964 ½ Green Bay Road
Winnetka, IL 60093
847-501-3750
Automotive material such as tires, batteries, and fluids and oils are accepted by various service stations for recycling. Please contact the service stations listed below to determine the automotive materials they accept. Only deliver the materials during regular business hours.
Evanston
Glenview
Skokie
Wilmette
Wilmette Public Works