The best way to dispose of paint is to use the paint. If you cannot use the paint, try giving it to someone who can:
When storing paint, make sure lids are on tight. Label the top of each can with the color and date purchased.
Do not pour paint down household drains. Many of the chemicals in paint will not be treated by sewage treatment systems or septic systems.
Do not throw liquid paint in the trash. There is always the possibility that the paint will be released from the can. Then the paint could be exposed to certain chemicals and cause spontaneous combustion.
Solidify and then dispose of paint. Paint is hazardous in its liquid form. If only a small amount of paint is left, simply remove the lid (outside, with good ventilation) and let dry. Then the can may be put out for trash disposal or taken to a recycling location (the can may be recycled with metal cans.) If there is too much liquid paint in the can, then try another drying method:
The Crawford County Solid Waste Authority holds two collection events each year for Household Hazardous Waste and electronics. These are typically held at the Crawford County Fairgrounds during June and September/October. A registration link for any upcoming event will be posted on this website.
Crawford County residents can recycle many of the products that they use to maintain their vehicles. Here’s what you can do.
Tires
Getting your tires replaced? Be sure to ask if your service station will recycle your old tires. There may be an additional fee for recycling, or the fee may be included in your purchase price.
Purchasing new tires? Ask your source if they offer a recycling/disposal program for your old tires.
Have extra tires at home that need to be recycled/disposed? Contact your local tire supply company. Many of them will accept small quantities of used tires for a fee. Always contact the company in advance before bringing them your used tires.
Flynn’s Tires – 814-337-2427
Park Avenue Tire – 814-724-6533
Antifreeze
Most service stations have the ability to recycle antifreeze. Always call first and expect to pay a disposal fee.
Lead-Acid Batteries
Almost all places that sell batteries will accept your old battery. Be sure to call the store first before bringing in your old battery.
Lincoln Recycling – 814-724-2241
Motor Oil
Call your local service station to determine if they will accept your used oil. Call first and expect to pay a nominal fee.
Appliances
Lincoln Recycling is happy to accept your used appliances. Those containing freon will need to have the freon removed. Contact Lincoln Recycling directly to ensure that they can recycle your item before you make the trip to see them.
Lincoln Recycling – 814- 724-2241
Cell Phones
The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office uses old, usable cell phones as a way to provide 911 calling for elderly residents within the county. Please call first to be sure that your donation will be accepted.
Crawford County Sheriff’s Office – 814-333-7411
Clothing and Small Household Items
Reselling and reusing clothing and household goods not only saves money but also promotes environmental responsibility. While there are many thrift shops in Crawford County, we’ll direct you to a few non-profits that benefit folks and critters in need.
House of Hope – 814-398-8404
Salvation Army – Meadville Family Store – 814-724-2336
St. James Haven – 814-337-6082
The Greenhouse (Women’s Services) – 814-333-9766 or 888-881-0189
Center for Family Services – 814-337-8450
Second Chance Thrift Store – 814-337-6880
*These charities also need personal care items, as well. If you have extra laundry detergent, feminine hygiene products, soap, shampoo, towels, paper products, and such, please reach out to them.
Medical Equipment
The Meadville Area Free Clinic (505 Poplar Street) offers a medical equipment recycling program called “Pass it On” that gives wheelchairs, canes, walkers, crutches, and such to those in need. You can donate your gently used items to become a part of this much-needed program.
Meadville Area Free Clinic – 814-333-3932
Medications
Crawford County has a medication collection program with permanent drop-off sites. This program allows for the safe, environmentally sound disposal of unwanted or expired prescription and over-the-counter pills.
Locations: Titusville Police Department – 814-827-1890
West Mead Township Police Department – 814-336-1005
Meadville Medical Center – 814-724-6000
Crawford County Sheriff’s Department – 814-333-7411
Cambridge Springs Police Department – 814-398-4112
State Police—Troop E/Meadville – 814-332-6911
Conneaut Lake Regional Police Department – 814-382-4364
Linesville Borough Police Department – 814-683-5454
Please note: Unacceptable items include intravenous solutions; injectables, syringes, and needles; hydrogen peroxide or compressed cylinders/aerosols; iodine-containing medications; thermometers; and alcohol.
Eye Glasses
The Meadville Lion’s Club has a collection box at the Meadville Post Office.
Freon Removal
Contact your local appliance repair center to have Freon removed from your appliances.
Nelson’s – 814-724-8903
Fullerton’s – 814-333-8300
Plastic Grocery Bags
If you are unable to reuse the bags that you have, take them back with you to the grocery store and deposit them in their recycling bins.
Giant Eagle – 814-724-1119
Wal-Mart – 814-724-6267
Scrap Metal
Lincoln Recycling is happy to accept your scrap metal.
Lincoln Recycling – 814-724-2241
Shopping Bags
Are you overrun with good, usable shopping bags made of plastic, paper, or cloth? Center for Family Services uses these bags to minimize waste at their Thrift Shop.
Please call before bringing any items. Hours are M-F, 11 AM to 5 PM.
Center for Family Services – 814-337-8450
Other Usable Items
Do yourself a favor and log into Facebook, then search for: free items Meadville. There are numerous local groups where free or low-cost items can be listed or found.
If your business, organization, or group would like to be included on our website, please contact the Authority via email: brenda@countyrecycling.com