Click on the link below for location and information regarding your nearest hazardous waste depot:
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West Perth Hazardous Waste Depot
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Well Facts:
Number of Wells: 2 pumping wells, 2 standby well
Source: Groundwater
Population Served: 4000
For more information, contact your local
Drinking Water Source Risk Management staff:
Katie Ebel
519-451-2800 (ext. 294)
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Being aware about water sources means ensuring these simple steps become part of your household routines to help protect drinking water sources:
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Use non-toxic cleaning products.
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Store chemicals safely - ensure they are labeled, sealed tightly and off the ground away from drains, vents and sources of heat.
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Dispose of hazardous household wastes properly. NEVER put hazardous chemicals in your regular garbage or down the drain.
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Use less fertilizer on your lawn and gardens.
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Clean up pet waste.
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Prevent pollutants from reaching the soil or entering storm drains.
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Prevent spills when filling gas tanks or cans.
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Take your car to commercial car washes.
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If you have a septic system, keep it working properly - empty the tank and have it inspected regularly.
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Protect and maintain any private wells and have unused wells properly decommissioned.
What are Hazardous Chemicals?
Any product labelled with one or more of these symbols is considered hazardous:
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Some common household products contain particularly nasty chemicals that are especially dangerous to drinking water supplies, even in very small quantities. These chemicals are found in a variety of products, including paint strippers, varnishes, and adhesives, to name a few. The chemicals in these products can be very toxic to humans and the environment, which means that even a little getting into the water makes it harmful for people and wildlife.
Scientists refer to these chemicals as Dense, Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids, or DNAPLs. As their name may suggest, these chemicals are heavier than water and do not dissolve easily. Cleaning up these chemicals is very difficult and expensive because they tend to sink down into the ground and can contaminate the soil and groundwater that we depend on for our drinking water. Some, like PCBs and mercury, can stay in the environment for decades. Others become more toxic as they break down.
How should you dispose of Hazardous Wastes?
Hazardous household waste is any discarded, unused, or leftover portion of a household product containing toxic chemicals.
DO NOT dispose of hazardous chemicals in your regular garbage or down drains.