What do I do with latex paint? 

Latex paint can be made into recycled paint or a concrete additive by taking it to participating Ace Hardware stores or by contacting Earth Paints Collection Systems at 847.231.6044 or latex paint can be solidified by adding a solidifier such as kitty litter or Oil Dry and then with the lids off the paint cans, placed in the regular garbage (not recycling). 

Where do I dispose of alkaline batteries?

Alkaline batteries are disposed of in the regular garbage (not recycling).  Alkaline batteries are classified non-hazardous by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and non-regulated according to the Department of Transportation.  Heavy metals such as cadmium and mercury have not been used in the manufacturing process since 1998 eliminating any recycling value for these batteries. 

Why can’t I drop off my household chemical waste (HCW) at any time?

SWALCO is permitted by the State and Village of Gurnee to be open only twice a month for residential HCW collection.  We are open by appointment on the second Saturday of the month and the fourth Monday (except for December).  The appointment is needed so that we can staff the collection properly so there is no wait to the resident. 

What happens to my electronics once I drop them off at a collection? 

SWALCO contracts with a Materials Processing Corp. (MPC) to collect the electronics.  The metals and plastics are recycled.  The hard drives in computers are ground up and added to the metals being recycling.  None of our electronics are reused, donated or shipped overseas.

How do I properly dispose of pharmaceuticals, prescriptions, medications and supplements?

Unwanted medicines, prescriptions, supplements and skin care products, will be accepted at household chemical waste collections.  No DEA Controlled Substances or sharps/needles will be accepted.  Please check under “Collections” for a schedule of upcoming Household Chemical Waste Collection dates. 

Prescriptions, et al will also be accepted at two places in Highland Park:  the Highland Park Police Department, 24 hours a day, 1677 Old Deerfield Road.  There is a drop box inside the station.  Also, the North Shore Health Center, 1840 Green Bay Road (Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 8 am to 8 pm; and Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm).

How do I properly dispose of sharps/needles?

There are no regulations for residents disposing of medical wastes at home.  However, the Health Department recommends placing "sharps" (such as needles) in a medical sharps disposal container or in a hard plastic bottle marked "Do Not Recycle," that is capped when full and placed in the garbage for disposal.  Bandages/dressings should be put in a plastic bag prior to placing them in the garbage.

 Where do I take car and sump pump (lead acid) batteries?

Lead acid batteries need to go to a scrap yard/dealer.  There is a list of scrap yards in your yellow pages or in our “Recycle and Redirect Guide.”  They are NOT accepted at the electronic or household chemical waste collections.