MANITOWOC — Residents, farms and businesses can dispose of hazardous materials safely during Manitowoc County's 2010 Hazardous Waste Clean Sweep on May 14 and 15, according to a news release from the Manitowoc County Recycling Center. Items such as automotive products, household cleaners, pesticides and home improvement products are hazardous when improperly used, stored or disposed of. Items with labels marked "warning, caution, poison, combustible, flammable, corrosive and toxic" are considered hazardous. Participants should bring materials in their original containers.

To prepare wastes for transport, line a cardboard box with a plastic bag and separate items with cardboard. Unacceptable materials include: explosives and radioactive materials, such as ammunition and smoke detectors, compressed gas tanks, high-pressure cylinders, Freon gases, and infectious and biological wastes. Electronics, batteries and light bulbs will not be accepted, but can be recycled at the Manitowoc County Recycling Center. Residents and farms can dispose of items for free. Farms and rural property owners may dispose of chemicals from active and abandoned farms for free, as well. Businesses will receive discounted rates. They must qualify as a "Very Small Quantity Generator" through self-certification to dispose of hazardous items.