St. Petersburg residents will have a dedicated location to discard hazardous household items on Saturday, September 5, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will be held at Pinellas Technical College’s St. Petersburg campus, located at 901 34th St. S.
Why the collection matters
City officials explained that putting chemicals, paints, batteries and other toxic materials in the regular trash creates fire hazards and can contaminate the environment. By providing a supervised drop‑off point, the municipality aims to keep dangerous substances out of the municipal waste stream and ensure they are processed in an environmentally safe manner.
What can be turned in
Trained personnel will be on site to accept a range of items, including:
- Automotive fluids such as gasoline, motor oil and antifreeze
- Household chemicals and cleaning agents
- Lawn, garden and pool/spa chemicals
- Paint products
- Mercury‑containing devices (e.g., thermostats, fluorescent bulbs)
- Rechargeable batteries
- Signal flares
Residents are encouraged to review the city’s collection rules and disposal guidelines online at www.stpete.org/Collection before attending.
How to prepare for the event
Items should be placed in sturdy containers or bags to prevent spills. Liquids must be sealed tightly, and any broken glass or sharp objects should be wrapped securely. The city asks participants to arrive early, as space may fill quickly.
Community impact
The hazardous‑waste drop‑off is part of St. Petersburg’s ongoing effort to protect public health and preserve local waterways. Proper disposal reduces the risk of soil and water contamination, which benefits families, businesses and the broader ecosystem.
For additional information, residents can contact the City of St. Petersburg’s Public Works Department or visit the city’s website.
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
