Re-Use Program Helps MSB Cut Costs of Haz-Mat Disposal

The Matanuska Susitna Borough has a ‘Re-Use Program’ at the Central Landfill. The landfill accepts certain products for re-distribution to the public. This is done in conjunction with their hazardous waste disposal program and is intended to cut down on the high cost of disposing of hazardous materials that are still suitable for use.

It is not unusual to have people bring new or slightly used products to the MSB’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days.

Trained screeners evaluate the hazardous materials to determine their suitability for re-use by the public. Once screeners determine that the product meets all the criteria for re-use the product is made available at the Central Landfill’s reuse locker.

Anyone wanting to take the ‘re-use’ products home are required to read and sign a liability waiver.

More than 70% of all materials designated for re-use are taken by participants. Re-usable products such as latex paint, oil-based paint, cleaning solutions, car wax, oil, etc. are popular items.

For a product to be accepted for the ‘Re-Use Program’ it must meet the following criteria. The product must be in its original container and be at least 3/4 full. The container must be in good condition, relatively clean, and the label must be intact and readable. It should be a product that is currently available over-the-counter, and not expired according to manufacturers printed expiration date. It should not show any signs of contamination. And finally products that are on the “Not to be Re-distributed” list are not accepted for the Re-Use Program.

The following products are not accepted for the Re-Use Program: Banned and unregistered pesticides, products containing PCBs, asbestos, dioxins and products used on food crops. Personal products, such as, shampoos, soaps, and make-up are also not accepted in the Re-Use Program.