After Memorial Day, Avoid Stinky Garbage

Memorial Day is the traditional start of warm summer-like weather. You might imagine a refreshing beverage by the pool, a long, relaxing day at the beach or a few hot dogs blistering on the grill.

You probably don't think about your warmed-over garbage. But Waste Management, which services Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Laguna Beach and other Orange County communities, wants you to pause and think about that trash for a moment.

For one thing, your trash service will be delayed by one day throughout the week of May 27 as trash haulers observe Memorial Day. Waste Management is closed that day as well, with normal operations resuming Tuesday, May 28.

For another, summertime brings heat, and heat leads to stinky (and sometimes dangerous) garbage.

"Careless disposal of summertime household waste, like charcoal and other outdoor items, can potentially create fires, harmful vapors, chemical spills as well as endanger the safety of waste haulers, landfill operators and the public," said Chrystal Fennel- Denning, community relations manager for Waste Management of Orange County.

WM offers these tips for a greener, safer, less stinky trash-tossing summer:

• Coals or ashes fresh from the barbecue should never be disposed directly into collection containers.  They should instead be cooled for several days, and then placed in a metal container with a tight lid for proper disposal. 
  
• Pool chemicals are considered household hazardous waste in California and should never be put—in any amount—in trash or recycling containers. 
  
• Reduce waste and skip the paper products by using silverware, glasses and plates.
  
• Provide a convenient, clearly marked receptacle for recycling next to trash cans.
  
• To be even greener, add a bin for food scraps that you can compost later. 
  
• Use aluminum foil instead of plastic wrap to cover and store food. Clean foil can be crumpled up and tossed into the recycling bin.