Many pesticides, cleaning products and paints contain toxic chemicals which should not be disposed of with household trash. Use these products up, give them away, or call to make an appointment at one of the household hazardous waste collection sites listed below.
Accepted Substances
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NOTES:
- NO smoke detectors or explosives
- Latex Paint is non-toxic. Latex paint can be mixed with kitty litter or sand, then leave cover off until it dries. It then can be disposed with your trash service.
Collection Sites
YOU MUST CALL TO SCHEDULE A TIME -
Call during regular business hours to schedule an appointment.
| Site | Phone | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Allegan County Health Department 3255 122nd Ave. Suite 200 Allegan |
(269) 673-5415 |
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| Drug And Laboratory Disposal 331 Broad Street Plainwell |
(269) 685-9824 |
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Additional Information
Mercury Thermometers
The Health Department also accepts mercury thermometers for recycling and recommends that all area residents replace these dangerous instruments with safer digital devices. Mercury is a heavy metal which accumulates in the body and can damage the brain, spinal cord, kidneys and liver. If mercury spills from a broken thermometer and is not carefully and thoroughly cleaned up, it will continue to evaporate, reaching potentially harmful levels in indoor air. Mercury thermometers may be dropped off at the Health Department any time during business hours; no appointment is required. Wrap thermometers in plastic and place them in a sealed container (such as a disposable plastic jar, bottle or tub) for transport. Mercury must be placed in a sealed container or a double bag when dropping off thermometers and thermostats!
Medical Sharps
The Allegan County Health Department sponsors a collection program for medical sharps, such as used syringes and disposable lancets. Improperly discarded medical sharps can injure family members, animals, waste management workers and end up in places where they are a danger to the public, such as our beaches. These sharps are a hazard because they may be contaminated with disease causing bacteria or viruses. County residents can pick up free sharps containers at the Health Department or purchase them at local pharmacies. Full containers, labeled with the resident’s name and address, can be brought to the Health Department during business hours, where they will be properly disposed off through the county’s regularly scheduled medical waste pick-up.
Resource Recovery Sharps Program brochure
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Totals by Year in Pounds
| Year | Total Pounds Collected | Pounds of Mercury (out of total collected) |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 14,325 | 80 |
| 2008 | 10,633 | 31 |
| 2007 | 12,926 | 21 |
| 2006 | 11,236 | 20 |
| Questions? Call Resource Recovery: (269) 673-5415 |  |