Dump your old household chemicals June 8-9 outside SIU Arena

Need to get rid of some old household chemicals, safely?

For Jackson and Perry county residents, a free two-day household chemical collection will be held at the south parking lot of the SIUC Arena, June 8-9.

Residents can safely dispose of old and unwanted household chemicals. Hours are 2-5 p.m. on Friday, June 8 and 7: 30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 9. It will be held rain or shine.

Residents will be asked for ID proving they live in either Jackson or Perry county. Bring a valid state ID or utility bill with an eligible address. To keep wait times short, participants are encouraged to consolidate loads with friends and neighbors.

Here is what can be dropped off: paint, paint thinner, aerosols, household cleaners, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, motor oil, antifreeze, old gasoline, rechargeable batteries, solvents, polishes, pool chemicals, and lawn chemicals. Mercury-containing devices, such as thermometers, thermostats and fluorescent bulbs will be taken as well. Also accepted will be unwanted or outdated medications, both prescription and over-the-counter. These items should be brought in their original container, but you may black out all personal information other than the drug name.

Do not bring in controlled substances, needles, syringes or inhalers.

Items which will not be accepted at the collection: explosives, ammunition, fireworks, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, propane tanks, farm machinery oil, electronics, alkaline and lead-acid batteries, appliances, tires, radioactive material, and medical waste. No business, agricultural or government wastes will be accepted.

If you want to dispose of materials in containers larger than five gallons you must contact the Jackson County Health Department prior to the event. Call them at (618) 684-3143, ext. 128, or visit www.RecycleJacksonCounty.org.