The Bismarck Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Recycling Center is scheduled to open today.

The center, dedicated Monday at the Bismarck landfill at 2111 N. 52nd St., will now accept household quantities of hazardous waste and electronic equipment.

"The citizens of Bismarck have shown a great deal of interest and participation in our past annual household hazardous waste roundups, and we are delighted to now offer household hazardous waste disposal and electronics waste disposal all year long," said Jeff Heintz, director of public works service operations for the city.

"Bringing these items to the center for disposal and recycling keeps them out of the landfill, protects the environment and conserves landfill space," Heintz said.

The center will be open between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday, and the first and third Saturday of the month.

Household hazardous waste and disposal and electronics recycling is free of charge for Bismarck residents; non-residents can drop off material for a fee.

Citizens bringing items to the center are asked to stop at the scale house for disposal procedures. Identification is required when dropping off the items.

Household quantities of materials accepted include oil, paint, weed killer and other chemicals. The city of Bismarck reserves the right to reject any waste.

Residents are asked to leave the materials in their original containers if possible and to transport them in plastic, trash-bag-lined cardboard boxes to prevent the items from leaking.

"From the interest that citizens have shown about the Household Hazardous Waste and Recycling Center, we expect a lot of traffic when the center opens," said Galen Bren, city recycling specialist. "We ask citizens for their patience as we begin this important service and that they recognized this service being offered year round."

For more information, visit www.bismarck.org or call 355-1700.