Highline-area residents can take unwanted bleach, bulbs, batteries and more to the King County Wastemobile in Des Moines Friday, Feb. 24-Sunday, Feb. 26.

The Wastemobile will be located in the north parking lot of Des Moines Marina from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Wastemobile, operated by King County as part of the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program, accepts pesticides, chlorine bleach, paint products, automotive products (oil, antifreeze, auto batteries, etc.), fluorescent bulbs/ballasts and other household hazardous items free of charge.

Properly disposing of these materials keeps them out of drains, garbage, surface water and soil, and helps safeguard public health and the environment.

Created in 1989, the Wastemobile was the first program of its kind in the nation. In its first 16 years in operation, the program collected 13,771 tons of wastes from 306,800 customers.

In 26 collection events last year, the Wastemobile served almost 19,814 King County residents, collecting an average of 100 pounds of hazardous waste per customer for a total of 1,110 tons.

Alexandra Thompson of King County's Solid Waste Division said the Wastemobile's visit to Des Moines in 2005 proved extremely successful.

Participation was up by 105 percent from 2004, and more than 73,000 pounds of household hazardous materials was gathered for proper disposal.

"Last year's event at Des Moines is a great indicator of the growing popularity of the program," said Thompson. "We're hoping to experience even greater success this year."

For more information, including acceptable materials and quantity limits, call the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program's Household 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.