Southwestern Pennsylvania residents can safely dispose of hazardous products commonly found in their homes at the first of a series of collections sponsored by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Household Hazardous Waste Task Force.

The kickoff collection will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 30 at the South Park Wave Pool parking lot.

The following materials will be accepted: aerosol cans; automotive fluids, including motor oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze, kerosene and brake fluid; batteries, both household and automotive; chemistry sets; and cleaners, such as ammonia, drain openers, acid cleaners and oven cleaners.

Also, mercury thermometers; paint products, such as latex, oil-based, alkyd-based, arts/crafts chemicals, rust preservatives, creosote, water sealers, paint thinners and furniture strippers; pesticides/garden products, including rodent killers, insecticides, weed killers, mothballs and fertilizer; photo chemicals; and pool chemicals.

The collections will not accept ammunition or explosives; commercial waste; compressed gas cylinders, including propane tanks; fluorescent tubes; medical waste, including needles; PCBs or dioxins; radioactive waste; smoke detectors; or tires.

Following each collection, a certified contractor processes the hazardous waste. Materials may be recycled, incinerated or buried in special landfill.

For more information, visit www.swpahhw.org or call Pennsylvania Resources Council, program administrator, at 412-488-7452.