Two separate hazardous-waste incidents that sent Scottsdale employees to the hospital have prompted the city to urge residents to properly dispose of toxic chemicals.
In each incident, a city worker collecting garbage was overcome by fumes when pool acid containers broke, Scottsdale spokesman Mike Phillips said. The containers ruptured and dumped the chemicals, Phillips said. The resulting fumes made the employees sick.
The employees were sent to the emergency room, where they recovered and were sent home.
In response, Scottsdale has provided options for properly disposing of hazardous waste.
The next city collection is set Nov. 1 at the Corporation Yard, 9191 E. San Salvador Drive.
The city's collections accept photo chemicals, automotive fluids, household cleaners, pool acids, chlorine, solvents, thinners, paints, stains and varnishes. The event does not accept tires, appliances, ammunition, medical waste, landscape waste or explosive materials.
The city lists other disposal locations at http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/recycle/hhwdropoff.asp
In addition to toxic chemicals, hazardous waste can cause fires and pollute water systems, officials said.
