Four times a year in Albert Lea and more often in surrounding cities, Freeborn County offers residents opportunities to get rid of hazardous wastes.

This weekend is one of them.

From 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday at the Albert Lea Transfer Station, there will be a household hazardous waste collection.

What are household hazardous wastes?

According to the county, they are products that can be environmental or health hazards when used, stored or disposed of improperly.

The wastes are often corrosive, reactive, flammable or toxic. That covers everything from latex paints, aerosol cans, gasoline, oven cleaners and adhesives to rechargeable batteries, weed killers and hobby chemicals.

Even farmers may bring their unwanted agricultural pesticides to any waste collection for disposal.

County officials advise residents to avoid purchasing hazardous products as much as possible, but once in your home the best method to get rid of them is to use them up according to the product directions.

Let’s take steps to protect our environment and health. Take a few minutes this weekend and properly dispose of any household hazardous wastes you may have.