Chance to Dispose of Hazardous Waste

Unwanted paint, motor oil, pesticides and household cleaners can be disposed of Thursday, Friday or Saturday at Mission College.

The collection point for the hazardous materials is the college’s south parking lot at 13356 Eldridge Ave.

The city of Los Angeles will sponsor a drive-thru that allows motorists to drop off any chemicals labeled “toxic, corrosive, flammable, irritant or poison” without leaving their vehicles.

Known as the Hazmobile Program, the collection effort is intended to fight pollution and reduce health and fire hazards that arise when hazardous waste is improperly discarded into sewers, storm drains or the trash, planners said.

It’s also free.

Much of the waste collected this week will be recycled, including motor oil and paint, which the city sometimes donates to anti-graffiti organizations, city Board of Public Works spokesman Richard French said.

The Hazmobile Program began its three-day collections in 1994. On average, about 1,000 cars and trucks drive by at every stop, French said.

In July, the program held its most successful collection at Valley College when it drew more than 2,000 vehicles in three days, he said.

The collections are exclusively for residents and the disposal of hazardous items found around the home.

“We do not want waste from businesses,” French said. “We have to caution people that 15 gallons or 125 pounds is the limit per vehicle.”

Reservations are available, but not necessary, planners said.

The collection will last from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information, call (800) 988-6942 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.