Your Palm Cove 'green team' is organizing a method for easy disposal of household hazardous waste. In the interim, here are your options for safe disposal.
Residential Disposal of Mercury-Containing Products
Residents are prohibited from disposing of any mercury containing devices in their regular garbage, and are encouraged to divert fluorescent bulbs and other mercury-containing lamps out of their regular garbage as well. You should dispose of these mercury-containing products as follows: Place fluorescent in original box (or the box the new bulbs came in when you replace old bulbs). Try not to break fluorescents. If breakage occurs, place entire lamp in plastic bag and secure. Please follow this link for further information and more detailed instructions on the safe handling and clean-up of broken mercury bearing lamps.
Recycling Fluorescent Light Bulbs and Other Mercury-containing Products
Fluorescent and many other types of lighting and several devices require mercury to operate. These are energy efficient and cost-effective products: unfortunately, they are also a form hazardous waste. Mercury containing lamps include: Fluorescents; High pressure Sodium; Metal halide; Mercury vapor; and Neon. Mercury Containing Devices include: Blood pressure monitors; electrical switches and relays; light ballasts; thermometers; thermostats; and float switches. If you need to dispose of any of these mercury-containing products, you should read the following carefully.
Why Are Mercury-containing Products Hazardous?
Mercury is a very poisonous substance that accumulates in living tissue. If inhaled or ingested, it can cause neurological problems, disabilities, and birth defects. Until recently, mercury-containing products were disposed of in landfills. When a mercury-containing product is broken or placed in a landfill or incinerator, the mercury can contaminate the air, surface water, and groundwater. Prompted by concern over high mercury levels found in fish in a number of Florida lakes and in the Everglades, new state laws regarding disposal of products that contain mercury are now in effect.
Mercury Lamp Fact Sheet Bring used fluorescent bulbs and all other mercury containing to the hazardous waste collection center so we can have them properly recycled. It is FREE of charge.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center
The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center is located at the Martin County Landfill.
| Household hazardous waste comes in many forms. Some examples are antifreeze, acetone, paint, aerosol cans, batteries, cleaners, mercury-containing lamps and devices, furniture strippers, lubricants, polishes, pesticides, used motor oil, solvents and weed killers. Items can be taken to the household hazardous waste collection center at the Martin County Landfill, or can be taken to the mobile household hazardous waste collection vehicle. Residents can dispose of 100 pounds of waste for free. All waste must be brought in secure, non-leaking containers no larger than 5-gallon buckets clearly labeled. No business waste will be accepted. |
Click HERE to see a map.
- Hours of Operation: Monday � Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM and Saturdays 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Location: The Martin County Landfill is located just off Highway 714, 3.5 miles west of the Palm City entrance to the Florida Turnpike and 1 mile east of I-95. Turn off 714 at the blue and white landfill sign on 84th Avenue and follow the road to the scale house
The �HazMobile,�our mobile household hazardous waste collection vehicle.
More HazMobile Information!
The HazMobile is short for Mobile Household Hazardous Waste Collection Vehicle. It was created to give Martin County residents a safe and convenient way to dispose of household hazardous waste. The HazMobile provides an alternative drop off point for those residents who are unable to make it out to the landfill where our permanent collection facility is located.
Hazardous Waste You Can Bring to the Hazmobile
As you are all probably aware, typical household hazardous waste includes items such as antifreeze, batteries, cleaners, used oil & filters, paints, pool chemicals, pesticides, solvents, thinners and so on. These products -- if disposed of improperly -- can contaminate our fragile drinking water supply, damage septic tanks and wastewater treatment systems, and injure sanitation workers.
Hazardous waste you CANNOT bring to the Hazmobile
Due to space limitations and for safety reasons, the HazMobile cannot accept the following items:
- No gasoline, No tires, No white goods,
- No propane tanks or other pressurized gases,
- No explosives, radioactive or biological wastes,
- No drums or containers larger than 5 gallons,
- Absolutely No Business Waste.
