Household Hazardous Materials Collection Facility

Household hazardous material collection in Ada County began as a one-day collection event in 1989. Sponsored by Ada County, Boise City, the Central District Health Department and the Ada County Highway District, the event grew in popularity. By 1996, it grew to a two-day event that served more than 3,500 vehicles representing more than 4,700 households.

In response to the growth and popularity of the collection program, Ada County built a permanent household hazardous material collection facility at Ada County's landfill. On May 1, 1998, the facility opened to serve Ada County residents.

The 5,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility is open two days each week (Fridays and Saturdays). The Facility provides to individuals and qualifying businesses an opportunity for proper hazardous material management.

Collection of household hazardous material at a centralized location reduces pollution threats. It also provides an opportunity to inform the public about their environment, hazardous materials, and alternatives to using hazardous products. Ada County's permanent Household Hazardous Material Collection Facility provides immediate and long-term benefits to residents of Ada County while protecting the environment for future generations.

In 1999, Ada County's Hazardous Material Collection Program received national recognition by being selected as the "Best New Collection Program at the Local Level" by the North America Hazardous Material Management Association (NAHMMA).

For more information about the Facility and Ada County's Household Hazardous Material Collection Program, contact the Ada County Solid Waste Management Department at (208) 577-4725. On Wednesday through Saturday, call the Facility at (208) 577-4736; or e-mail: kwall@adaweb.net.

MATERIAL REUSE PROGRAM

While at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility, take a look in the Material Reuse Program area. This is an area where Ada County makes products received at the Facility available to the public FREE of charge.

By making these products available, the material is used up rather than processed for disposal. You save money because its FREE. Ada County saves money because it does not have to pay for processing and disposal.

Products that are in their original container, at least one-half full, and that have not been altered (or banned), are placed on shelves in the Facility for the public to take FREE of charge.

A sampling of products you may find in the Material Reuse Program:

Paints
Wood stain
Paint thinner
Brake & Transmission fluids
Automotive products
Pesticides/Insecticides
Herbicides
Fertilizers
Cleaning supplies
Solvents
Lubricants