FAQs

Over the years, our customers have asked us many different questions. In order to better serve you, we have compiled a list of the most important and frequently asked questions for your browsing.

1. Some items are not recyclable in my bin, how do I get rid of them?

2. What's the best method of getting rid of paint?

3. How are batteries properly disposed of?

4. How do I dispose of.....?

1. "Some items are not recyclable in my bin, how do I get rid of them?" back to top

 Propane Tanks - call you nearest propane dealer. Many now accept old tanks.

 Silverware, glassware, dinnerware, metal cooking and baking pans - have a "garage sale", or take them to your nearest Goodwill, Salvation Army or Soup Kitchen. This also applies to items such as heat resistant ovenware, Tupperware and Rubbermaid products, small appliances, and furniture.

 Flower pots and plant containers - your local nursery is most appreciative of returned items such as these.

 Plastic grocery bags - Local markets have bins for recycling these items.

 Napkins, tissue paper, paper towels - perfect in your compost bin/pile, be sure to tear into smaller pieces.

 Eyeglasses - call you local Lions Club.

 Paint cans - clean, free of paint, add speedy dry or cat litter & harden. Dispose trash with lids off.

 Hypodermic needles - Needles should be removed from the syringe, and then placed in a plastic container designed for this exact purpose, and available at most pharmacies. If you cannot obtain a container, and alternate method would be to place the needles and syringes in a hard-cased container (plastic or metal). This will protect anyone who may come in contact with your garbage, and therefore stand the risk of possible injury from the syringes. The container must be secured, taping the lid is advised, and clearly marked "SHARPS". Do not attempt to recycle these items.

Erie County Health Dept.
716.874.1070

Niagara County Health Dept.
716.439.7430

 Pizza Boxes - because of the food contamination commonly present in pizza boxes, they cannot be recycled.

2. "What's the best method of getting rid of paint?" back to top

Paint is NOT ACCEPTABLE for disposal in a liquid state! Cans must be empty or contain dried paint ONLY!

Disposal of paint still in liquid form, should be processed using the following method (approved and recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency), to insure proper paint disposal AND paint can recycling!

LATEX PAINT (water soluble - clean up with water)

Find a pail or corrugated cardboard box and line it with a heavy plastic bag.

 Pour kitty litter into the plastic bag.

 Pour the paint into the plastic bag containing the kitty litter (adding more litter as needed, depending on the amount of paint).

 Leave the lid off the paint can and let any remaining paint dry.

 Once this paint is dry you may place the can out with your trash for disposal. It is very important however, that the lid is off the can (this will allow our laborers to see that the cans are dry and contain no free liquids).

 The plastic bag can be thrown away once the kitty litter containing the paint is completely dry. It is important that the consistency of the kitty litter is "bone" dry.

 When the "litter" material is dry, simply tie the bag securely and throw it in with your weekly trash.

3. "How are batteries properly disposed of?" back to top

Vehicle Batteries

Take vehicle batteries to retailers that sell them. State law requires such retailers to accept, free of charge, up two (2) vehicle batteries per person per month.

Household Batteries

Type of Battery	Example	Recommended Disposal
Non-Rechargeable Alkaline & Carbon zinc	AAA, AA, C, D, 9 volt long life C and D cells, etc.	Household Trash
Rechargeable Alkaline	(same as above)	Household Trash
Rechargeable Nickel cadmium, sealed lead acid, nickel hydride & lithium	AAA, AA, C, D, 9 volt & battery packs used for power tools, cellular phones, video cameras, portable computers, etc.	Deliver to a local drop-off site or to a County Household Chemical Clean-up day.
Button Cell Silver oxide, Mercuric oxide, Lithium & Zinc air	Round in shape, very small & thin in size, used for hearing aids, watches, cameras, etc.	Deliver to a local drop-off site or to a County Household Chemical Clean-up Day.

Niagara County Environmental Department:
716.439.7235

Erie County Environmental Compliance Services:
716.858.6370

4. "How do I dispose of.....?" back to top

Motor Oil

Take motor oil to a service station or to a retail outlet that sells motor oil. State law requires most services stations and retailers to accept, free of charge, up to five (5) gallons of motor oil per person, per day.

Oil Filters

Drain oil from the filter. Drained oil filters may be accepted by some municipal recycling depots or local scrap metal dealers. As a last resort, drained filters should be wrapped in a newspaper and disposed of in the garbage.

Needles/Syringes

Place needles and/or syringes in either an old coffee can or detergent bottle. Close and seal container and place in regular garbage.

Electric lawn mowers

Drain liquid and place at curb. City of Niagara Falls residents should contact the Department of Public Works at 286.4840 for special instructions.

Refrigerators, freezers, and/or air conditioners (any item containing freon).

Modern Landfill, cannot accept any items containing refrigerant, including, but not limited to: Chlorinated Fluorocarbons and Hydro Chlorinated Fluorocarbons. Please downlaod printable version or contact our office to obtain a Fluorocarbon Removal Certification Form. Follow all instructions on our Fluoride Carbon Removal Form. Customer Service will contact you to arrange pick up once your form has been reviewed and approved by our waste approval coordinator. City of Niagara Falls residents should contact the Department of Public Works at 286.4840 for special instructions.

Couches, mattresses and box springs, washers, dryers(etc.)

Generally, our customers can place one bulk item (no larger than 4') at the curb per week. City of Niagara Falls residents should contact the Department of Public Works at 286.4840 for the removal of all metal bulk items.

Computers, monitors, fax machines

At this time we can not accept these items. Please contact your county directly for special "drop off" information.

Wood, branches, shrubs etc.

Must be bundled, tied securely or contained. Sorry we can not accept any items over 4' long.

Fluorescent light bulbs/mirrors

You can dispose of up to 2 bulbs a week by wrapping them securely. Bulbs can also be broken in pieces and we will take them as long as they are securely wrapped. For the safety and protection of our employees, we will not remove any materials that are not properly and securely contained.

For further information please call:

Niagara County Environmental Department:
716.439.7235

Erie County Environmental Compliance Services:
716.858.6370

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