TAVARES — The Lake County Department of Environmental Services is encouraging proper disposal of household hazardous waste with its mobile unit. The mobile unit is scheduled to make 16 different stops throughout the County in 2007.

Household hazardous waste is collected at the Lake County Household Chemical Collection Center, located at 13130 County Landfill Road, Tavares (near the intersection of county roads 561 and 448), Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; however, the mobile unit gives residents an opportunity to dispose of household hazardous waste near their community. The service provided by the mobile unit is available free of charge to Lake County residents.

All mobile unit stops in 2007 are from 9 a.m. to noon.

Location                                                                       Date
Clermont West Park Mulch Area — 649 12th St.             Feb. 8 and July 19
Eustis Ferran Park — near the band shell off Bay Street  Feb. 22 and Sept. 21
Groveland Fire Station — 450 W. Orange St.                  April 12 and Nov. 2
Lady Lake Drop-off Center — 1200 Jackson St.              May 10 and Sept. 7
Lake Square Mall — Radio Road near Sears                  March 8
Leesburg Wal-Mart — 2501 Citrus Blvd.                         Jan. 18 and May 24
Mount Dora Wal-Mart — 17030 U.S. Highway 441          March 22, Aug. 16 and Dec. 7
Umatilla Drop-Off Center — 301 E. Collins St.                April 26 and Dec. 14

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Web site, leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable or reactive ingredients are considered to be household hazardous waste. Household products, such as paint, cleaners, oils, batteries and pesticides that contain potentially hazardous ingredients require special care during disposal.

Improper disposal of household hazardous wastes can include pouring them down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers or in some cases putting them out with the trash. The dangers of such disposal methods might not be immediately obvious, but improper disposal of these wastes can pollute the environment and pose a threat to human health.

Whenever possible, it is recommended that household hazardous waste be kept in its original container. If the container is leaking, put it in a new container and mark any unlabeled containers. Transport household hazardous waste in the rear of the vehicle and do not store in the vehicle for extended periods. For more information, call the Lake County Department of Environmental Services at (352) 343-3776.