There is a permanent hazardous waste collection centre not too far from my house here in L.A. so I have made the commitment to deliver all such materials produced by our household to this site. This is one of those beautiful improvements that is both free and easy. So, from now on, all of the following go into a bin in the garage until drop off day: paint and solvents, cleaning products, aerosol cans, all medicines, household batteries, fluorescent tubes, anything containing mercury. My pet peeve is discarded electronic equipment, and thankfully I can take all of it there. This includes old phones and computer gadgets, tvs, small appliances, and (mom's and dad's rejoice!) electronic toys! You know, the ones from China with lead paint and uranium parts that your child gets from relatives and immediately puts in his mouth. Those. For you Americans out there, this does not include ammunition and explosives. Cell phones are recycled here in California at these sites but also at Whole Foods, but I suggest sending them to nonprofits that then ship them to Afghanistan/N. Korea and other areas where small communication devices are in high demand. I'll get those links to the blog asap. Hey, your local domestic violence shelter probably could use a few.
~ Aimee