Clatsop County’s Household Hazardous Waste Program is moving forward this year with creating a permanent collection center to dispose of toxic, flammable and other corrosive items, according to the county.

The collection center is planned for construction at the Astoria Transfer Station. It will collect hazardous products such as pesticides and herbicides, paint, cleaning solvents and other materials not suitable for disposal with standard household trash.

It is expected to open in April 2016.

With the project underway, the county announced this week it will no longer sponsor the yearly household hazardous waste collection events held each May.

Until the new collection center is operating, residents can find other options online at www.co.clatsop.or.us

The center will be open at least eight times per year to collect waste items from county residents and qualifying small businesses.

The center will be funded through an Oregon Department of Environmental Quality grant and a surcharge on garbage collection rates.

Many home and yard products when not completely used up accumulate in cabinets, garage shelves or outdoor sheds exposing children and pets to toxic chemicals, the county warns.

Hazardous wastes should not be put down home drains, street storm water drains, discarded in the garbage or poured on the ground. Doing so pollutes water, places harmful chemicals in the sewage/septic systems and exposes waste haulers and fire fighters needlessly to hazardous conditions.

The following is a list of ways the county suggests reducing hazards year-round:

• Reduce the amount that may sit in cupboards by purchasing only what is needed.

• Read the labels before buying to purchase nontoxic products whenever possible.

• Look into green alternative products.

• When storing hazardous products, put them in a safe place away from children and pets, and keep them in their original containers.

• Share unused product with a neighbor or friend to get rid of it all.