Disposal Guide

Egg cartons made from paper products may be recycled in your curbside cart or at rural recycling sheds. Egg cartons made from polystyrene foam may not be recycled.

Proper Disposal
All electrical cords including extension cords, phone cords, appliance cords, and indoor electrical wiring are accepted for recycling at the WLSSD Materials Recovery Center.

Electronic Cigarettes and Vapes

Electronic cigarettes, also known as Vapes, are nicotine delivery devices that use a battery to heat a liquid nicotine concentrate that can be inhaled. Both the Electronic cigarette liquid and the battery can be hazardous if released into the environment and must be disposed of properly.

Proper Disposal

• Nicotine Containing Wastes – including cartridges, pods, or bottles of nicotine juice that still contain nicotine can be brought to WLSSD Household Hazardous Waste for disposal. Empty cartridges, pods, or bottles of nicotine juice may be thrown in the trash. DO NOT dispose of these types of waste at pharmaceutical drop box locations.
• Rechargeable Electronic Cigarette Batteries – There are 2 types of rechargeable batteries, “draw” style devices which require the user to inhale to activate, and push button devices which require the user to press a button while inhaling. Both types of batteries contain heavy metals and cannot be discarded in the trash. DO NOT dispose of batteries at pharmaceutical drop box locations as they have the potential to start a fire.
• Single-Use Electronic Cigarettes – These types of batteries may be disposed of in the trash or taken to WLSSD Household Hazardous Waste for disposal.  DO NOT dispose of batteries at pharmaceutical drop box locations, as they have the potential to start a fire.
• For more information about nicotine containing devices, visit: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/living-green/vape-pen-and-e-cig-disposal

Proper Disposal
•  Electronics cannot be put into the trash.
•  Bring to an electronics recycler.
•  The EPA requires businesses to handle electronics in compliance with the U.S. Code’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, which sets regulations on the disposal of solid and hazardous waste.

Please follow best practices to protect your data! Clear your devices of personal data prior to disposal.

The following businesses accept electronics:

WLSSD Materials Recovery Center
https://wlssd.com/hours-facilities

Using the Materials Recovery Center (pricing, etc.)

Afterlife Electronics Graveyard
915 John Avenue
Superior, WI 54880
218-940-9274

Best Buy, Inc.
http://www.bestbuy.com/

Tyvek envelopes cannot be recycled with paper.  Envelopes are collected and recycled at no cost.  Call 1-800-44-Tyvek for more information.

For more information: www.tyvek.com

Proper Disposal: 
Bring to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility.  See Medical Waste.

Large exercise equipment including treadmills and elliptical machines are accepted for disposal at the Materials Recovery Center. Units with a metal frame and primarily metal components may be disposed of as scrap metal at no charge. Plastic, rubber and mixed materials will be charged the regular disposal rate ($22/ cu yd, 2019). Fees are determined after inspection of unit by staff at the time of service.

Explosive and reactive materials are very dangerous and should be handled with extreme caution. Examples include dynamite, TNT, blasting caps and loaders, picric acid, and ethers. Of particular concern are picric acid and ethers. They become unstable over time, and containers may explode if opened (crystals can form under the cap).

Proper Disposal
•    CALL 911. Law enforcement agencies are trained to survey the situation and respond when necessary. HHW collection sites do not accept explosives.
•    Do not transport or disturb!

CAUTION
Only trained experts should handle ammunition and explosives;

Additional information may be obtained:

Duluth Police Station – (218) 723-3731
St. Louis County Sheriff – (218) 336-4360 ; 24 hours at 726-2345

 Proper Disposal
•    Most optical stores in the City of Duluth will accept used glasses for the Lions Club; glasses you choose not to donate may be placed in the trash.

Lion’s Club:
Hibbing    (218) 262-5221
Chisholm  (218) 254-4357
Duluth      (218) 624-4820