Local residents can safely dispose of old car batteries, oil, paint thinner and many other household hazardous items at no cost when the Wastemobile rolls through its 23rd year of service with a stop in Bothell, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 23-25, in the Seattle Times building parking lot, 19200 120th Ave. N.E.

Residents can drop off household hazardous waste items including pesticides, oil-based paints, automotive products (oil, antifreeze, auto batteries, etc.), fluorescent bulbs/tubes and other items free of charge.

Residents are helping safeguard the environment and public health by properly disposing of hazardous these materials and keeping them out of drains and landfills.

Created in 1989, the Wastemobile was the first program of its kind in the nation. It is operated by King County Solid Waste Division as part of the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program, and travels throughout the county from the spring through fall.

Since its inception, the Wastemobile has collected more than 15,000 tons of hazardous household waste from 400,000 customers.

Looking for reusable household products? The Wastemobile provides free products to the public, such as oil-based paint, stain and primer, plus wood care and cleaning products. These products are subject to availability, and residents sign a release form prior to receiving the materials.

For more information about disposal, including acceptable materials and quantity limits, call the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program’s Hazards Line at (206) 296-4692, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., except holidays. Recorded information is available after hours, or by visiting the Wastemobile Web site at http://www.lhwmp.org/home/HHW/wastemobile.aspx.