Kaua‘i County reminds public not to throw out certain household liquid waste at transfer stations

A recent assessment of residential materials disposed at the refuse transfer stations and in refuse carts has prompted county officials to issue a reminder about the proper disposal of liquid household waste.

Proper disposal methods, provided on most product labels, should be used at all times as products sold in containers labeled caution, warning, danger, or poison become household hazardous waste when discarded.

Even a small quantity of household hazardous waste left over from a home project could result in noxious vapor emissions or spontaneous combustion when co-mingled with mixed waste. This could lead to negative impacts, including damaged equipment, delays in service or long lines at the transfer stations, or sudden facility closures.

Other liquid wastes, including latex paint and used cooking oil, can be properly disposed of by pouring them into a box with absorbent material such as sawdust, kitty litter, old towels and shredded paper. Once absorbed, the box should be placed in a garbage bag and disposed of in the trash.

Visit the county’s website at www.kauai.gov/hhw for information on managing specific items.

Anyone with questions can call the Division of Solid Waste at 808-241-4841.