Park County residents who’ve got unwanted paint, pesticides, brake fluid, mothballs, car batteries and other hazardous materials can safely — and freely — dispose of them this week.

On Friday, the materials will be accepted from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Park County Weed and Pest office west of Powell (1067 Road 13). Then from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, area residents can bring their hazardous waste to the Cody Recycling Center (531 15th St.).

A wide variety of items will be accepted, including cleaning solvents, poison baits, carpet cleaners, weed killers, bear spray, motor oil, anti-freeze and lithium batteries (which must be taped). They’re all materials that could cause issues if tossed into a regular trash can.

Following this week’s collection, a contractor will dispose of the materials in a safer, “environmentally sound method.”

Additionally, organizers will offer a “drop and swap” table, where residents can drop off or pick up still-viable household products like paint or pesticides with full, legible labels.

There are some limits: Ammunition, explosives, medical waste, smoke detectors, prescription drugs and electronics will be turned away, along with regular household trash.

Commercial quantities of hazardous materials will be assessed a fee, but household amounts will be accepted free of charge, thanks to the support of Park County Weed and Pest, Park County Landfills and the cities of Powell and Cody.

Past events have yielded more than 1,000 gallons of flammable solvents, plus a variety of other items.

If you have questions about whether a specific product will be accepted, refer to the ad on Page 3 or get in touch with Park County Landfills (307-754-1818), Weed and Pest (307-754-4521) or the City of Powell (307-754-3552).