Monroe County's Department of Environmental Services (DES) and the towns of Hamlin, Clarkson, Ogden, Parma and Sweden and the villages of Brockport, Hilton and Spencerport have joined forces to hold an appointment only Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection at the Hamlin Highway Garage, 91 Railroad Avenue, on Saturday, June 14 from 8 a.m. to noon.

Most HHW (paint, flammables and other chemicals from home-use) is safe when used and stored properly. When they become unwanted and are disposed of improperly, these household wastes can become environmental hazards.

To ensure safety and reduce waiting times, appointments are required at all HHW collections. Appointments for this HHW collection will be accepted until June 12. To schedule an appointment, Hilton and Parma residents should call 392-9494; Spencerport, Ogden, Clarkson and Hamlin residents should call 964-2421; and Brockport and Sweden residents should call 637-2144. Waste from businesses will not be accepted.

Up to 30 gallons of the following materials will be accepted per appointment at no charge: oil-based and latex paint (for 1/4-gallon or less of latex paint: discard lid, add kitty litter, let dry, place can in trash), wood stain and preservatives, automotive fluids (antifreeze; brake, power steering and transmission fluids), pesticides and fertilizers, flammable products (gasoline, kerosene, thinners, strippers, solvents), household cleaners (liquid soaps and waxes, drain cleaners, etc.), driveway sealer, pool and photo chemicals, rechargeable (Ni-cad) and button batteries, mercury (thermometers, thermostats), syringes/sharps (safely packaged).

Do not bring the following: used motor oil and vehicle batteries (contact service station or retailer); cans with dried paint (if it rattles when shaken - remove lid and place in trash); empty containers (trash or recycle); everyday alkaline batteries (trash); glazing/spackle and joint compounds (trash).

Volunteers of America will also be on site to collect textiles (clothes), books, stereos, chairs, cookware, couches, (can not be torn, worn or stained), linens, stoves and refrigerators. Appliances must be in working order. To schedule a free pick up of larger household items contact VOA at 585-647-1150.

If residents are unable to take advantage of this mobile HHW collection, the county's permanent collection facility is open, by appointment only, weekly. For information, or for business waste disposal options, call DES at 760-7600 (option 3), or go on-line at www.monroecounty.gov.