SAN FERNANDO VALLEY : Hazardous Waste Roundup Scheduled

San Fernando Valley residents who want to rid themselves of household chemical wastes will have the opportunity to discard them safely this weekend.

The city Bureau of Sanitation is sponsoring a one-day household hazardous waste roundup Saturday in Westchester, officials said. Residents can bring for recycling or disposal any unwanted paint, cleaning agents, motor oil, pesticides and other common household chemicals labeled as toxic, corrosive, flammable or poisonous. If improperly discarded, these chemicals can become health, environmental and fire hazards.

The toxic waste collection is free but is restricted to residents; waste generated by small businesses and industry will not be accepted, officials said. For safety reasons, residents must remain in their vehicles while disposing of their chemicals. Walk-ins will not be allowed.

To date, the city has held 25 such collections and has recycled more than 55,000 gallons of paint, 100,000 gallons of motor oil and 4,000 car batteries, officials said. Saturday’s roundup is scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the McDonnell Douglas helicopter facility at 6775 Centinela Ave. in Westchester, near Teale Street.