Gilbert is offering its residents an opportunity this week to rid themselves of hazardous wastes that may be piling up at home.
The town will accept batteries, oil, paint, antifreeze and tires during a three-day spring collection event Friday, Saturday and Monday in the Gilbert Public Works parking lot.
Gilbert environmental program specialist Donna Moran said dumping waste on the ground or in storm drains can kill animals and enter the water supply.
Dumping "is very bad, and you can be held accountable," Moran said.
Gilbert hopes the potential for danger can be reduced by having more collection events and starting a continuous collection program, which is in the works. The town served 1,430 residents during the past two collections.
"If residents are given an opportunity to do this easily and conveniently, they want to do it," Gilbert spokesman Greg Svelund said.
Gilbert, Chandler and Mesa have an arrangement where residents can participate in the major hazardous waste collections offered by the other municipalities.
Gilbert will accept materials in sealed containers only, Svelund said.
Gilbert will not accept solvents, transmission fluid, pesticides, gasoline, pool chemicals, household cleaners, ammunition, tires with rims, radioactive materials or 55-gallon drums of materials.
The event will be 1 to 6 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday and Monday at the Gilbert Public Works parking lot, 658 N. Freestone Parkway. Drop-off is by appointment only. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (480) 503-6446. Information also is available at www.ci.gilbert.az.us.
To help
Chandler: Nov. 1, 249 E. Chicago St., (480) 782-3510
Gilbert: June 13, 14 and 16 (batteries, oil, paint, antifreeze and tires), by appointment only, 658 N. Freestone Parkway, (480) 503-6446
Mesa: July 26, 2412 N. Center St.; Oct. 18, 6935 E. Decatur St., (480) 644-2222
Tempe: Ongoing collection by appointment (Tempe and Guadalupe residents only), 1320 E. University Drive, (480) 858-2223
