BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – With the start of the new year comes household clean outs and the disposal of old junk.

Whatcom County Public Works is reminding residents that regular landfills are not designed to hold hazardous waste and toxic chemicals. Throwing out such things in household trash can pollute the soil and water in the area.

The Disposal of Toxics facility near Bellingham International Airport takes old paint, cleaning supplies, garden chemicals and other household hazardous waste items for free. The facility is open weekdays and the first Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The list of accepted items is as follows:

  • Used oil and fuels
  • Automotive product
  • Cleaners
  • Fluorescent lamps (Up to 10 bulbs per day)
  • Latex paint
  • Lawn & garden chemicals
  • Mercury thermometers and other devices
  • Oil-based paint & paint products
  • Solvents
  • Rechargeable Batteries (Not Alkaline batteries)