Johns Creek's Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day

Johns Creek residents can clear out their garages by dropping off all those half-empty paint cans, dead batteries and other toxic, domestic products at Johns Creek's Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on Saturday, Oct. 12. And it's free.

The collection point is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Home Depot parking lot at 5950 State Bridge Road near Medlock Bridge Road.

"Many everyday products – cleaning supplies, paint, or pesticides – can contaminate the environment if they're just thrown away," said James Swope, Johns Creek Solid Waste manager. "They can even be hazardous to store at home. This gives Johns Creek residents a chance to dispose of dangerous waste in a safe and environmentally sound manner at no cost."

Materials accepted are:

• Paints
• Solvents, cleaners and aerosols
• Herbicides and pesticides
• Motor oil and anti-freeze
• Mercury
• Batteries
• TVs and electronics
• Propane cylinders with functioning valves
• Fire extinguishers and smoke detectors

For the first time, the program is also accepting containers of fats, oils and grease from cooking. If dumped down the drain, fats, oils, and grease can cling to the walls of your plumbing and sewage pipes, and cause sewage spills in your home.

Unfortunately, the program cannot accept medical waste or needles, ammunition, pharmaceuticals, or trash and non-hazardous items.

Pre-registration is required and space is limited! Because of the potential volume of hazardous waste and affiliated costs, the event is limited to Johns Creek residents. If you are not sure if your address falls within the city limits of Johns Creek, check the City website.

The program is sponsored by the City of Johns Creek and Keep Johns Creek Beautiful.

Register at www.knfb.org. For more information, call 770-551-7766 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or emailinfo@keepjohnscreekbeautiful.org.