The Anaheim Fire Department’s Community Relations Section and the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) maintain a program that promotes the proper management of used oil and household hazardous waste. Many of the household products we use contain hazardous chemicals that pose a threat to both the public and the environment when they are managed improperly. Household hazardous waste can hurt our environment, family members, trash handlers and landfill workers. If household hazardous waste is poured into household drains or dumped into storm drains, it can upset operations in wastewater treatment plants and cause damage to local waterways and beaches.

Household Hazardous Waste

Chemicals- we use them all the time in our homes: motor oils, insect spray, bleaches, solvents. Most of us feel that as long as we do not ingest any of these chemicals, the worst that can happen to us is a little skin irritation.

In actuality, these chemicals make up little chemistry sets found in each of our homes: under kitchen sinks, in garages and bathrooms.

Reduce your chances of being harmed by completing the following safety steps:

• Read manufacturer labels
• Store chemicals properly
• Handle chemicals with care
• Dispose of chemicals free of charge at our local Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center located at 1071 N. Blue Gum St., in Anaheim. For more information, please call (714) 834-6752.

Used Motor Oil

After you save yourself some money by conducting oil changes at home, save the earth by recycling the waste oil. To find a local business that will recycle your oil free of charge, please call 1-800-CLEANUP or visit the following web site:

http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/UsedOil/Reports/CenterSearch/Default.aspx?lang=en-US

Once you know where to recycle your used motor oil, you can “Close the Loop” by purchasing re-refined motor oil. Re-refined motor oil is recycled oil that has been processed to make it reusable. It is of the same quality as virgin motor oil. In fact, just ask Mercedes Benz! They have been using re-refined motor oil in their new cars since the early 1990’s. Purchasing re-refined motor oil will:

• Reduce air pollution
• Use an American resource and reduce dependence on foreign oil
• Reduce energy requirements by being used over and over again
• Conserve a valuable, non-renewable resource (crude oil)