SYLMAR : ‘Hazmobile’ Service Expands Its Stops

A citywide hazardous waste collection program that uses a truck to pick up unwanted household chemicals has been expanded to include Sylmar.

The truck and its three trailers--dubbed a “Hazmobile”--give residents the opportunity to recycle or safely discard such chemicals as paint, motor oil, antifreeze, furniture polish and insecticide.

The truck will stop to pick up waste several days each month at the Sylmar Square Shopping Center. The Sylmar stop is the only one in the northeast San Fernando Valley, and the service is available to all residents.

“It’s a drive-through system,” said Jackie David, spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation. “You give your keys to the Hazmobile workers; they open your trunk and take your waste.”

The city started the Hazmobile program in February after residents complained that the previous method of collection, the monthly “Roundup” program, was inconvenient, since people often had to wait in line for hours to dispose of toxic chemicals.

Northeast Valley residents interested in disposing of their hazardous waste can visit the Hazmobile today, Saturday or April 14, 15 and 16 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Residents must call the Hazmobile hot line, 1 (800) 98-TOXIC, to schedule an appointment.