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Disposing of Household Hazardous Waste in Albany County Waste Oil and Antifreeze The Albany County Road and Bridge Dept. and the City of Laramie Street Division will accept used automobile oil to burn in a waste-oil heater. After you change oil in your vehicle, pour the liquid into a clean, unbreakable container with a good sealable cap, such as a one-gallon plastic jug. Do not mix the used oil with water or other products.Used antifreeze should also be drained into a sturdy plastic container. Contact Road and Bridge (742-2534) for further instructions and disposal times. Batteries The best way to dispose of used automotive batteries is to return your old battery to the company from whom you are purchasing a new one. The law requires that they receive your old battery. Automotive batteries are also accepted at the Laramie landfill. You must notify the landfill attendant that you have a car battery so that it can be properly recycled.Alkaline batteries may be placed in your normal trash. Nickel cadmium (nicad) or lithium rechargeable batteries should be recycled. These can be recycled at the Laramie landfill. Tell the landfill attendant what type of batteries you have, and you will be directed to the proper container to safely recycle them. Paint The best way to dispose of any kind of paint is to use it all up. Consider applying a second or third coat if it allows you to avoid having to dispose of unused paint. To safely dispose of extra latex paint, leave the paint can open in a well-ventilated and secured area so that it can solidify. Dried latex paint is stable and does not pose a significant threat to ground water or soils. Once dried, the paint may be placed in the trash for disposal. Leave the lid off the paint can so the collection crews know the paint is dried completely. Oil based paints are more difficult to dry in a paint can. To expedite the paint drying process, pour the paint into a plastic-lined box to increase the exposed surface area, and mix with absorbent materials such as kitty litter or sawdust. All handling should be away from children and animals. Pesticides Use pesticides according to label directions, but do not overuse them. If the product's shelf life expires, or if you need assistance, contact Albany County Weed and Pest at 742-4469. Solvents Solvents such as paint thinner can be reused by allowing the solids to settle to the bottom of the container, then pouring off the clear liquid into a well-labeled container for reuse later. The solids can then be dried and thrown away. Call the City of Laramie Solid Waste Division to get specific disposal options. Fluorescent Light Bulbs and Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) ---PAGE BREAK--- Yes, fluorescent light bulbs contain mercury vapor that is used to produce the light. Light bulbs containing mercury can be dangerous to your health and the environment, and should not be thrown in the trash. CFL bulbs contain an extremely small amount of mercury; about 1/100 the amount in a common household thermometer. The primary source of mercury emissions in the U.S. is coal-fired power plants. An unbroken CFL does not pose a health risk. However, expended CFL's should be disposed of properly, in the same manor as other household hazardous waste products like paint, batteries and non-digital thermostats. The concern is valid and lies in concentrations of mercury accumulating in our landfills over time. Please schedule an appointment with the Solid Waste Division to dispose of your CFL's at the Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off.