When Barack Obama was sworn into office, I took a personal oath to be a better citizen and serve my country better. You can only image all of the thoughts I thought about (and still do) to best utilize my skills.

 About a year ago, I vowed to be more proactive in recycling and help my son be more active also. So, we sorted our recylceable items accordingly. I purchased an additional garbage can and separated the plastics, from the bottles and the cans. At the end of the month, we'd take these items to the local recycle center and in exchange get the money for doing so. Every month my son would have an extra twenty to thirty dollars in his bank account.

 What does all this have to do with REOs? Recently we were assigned a property that contained hazardous chemicals and waste. We had to stop ourselves and ask where can we take this hazardous waste? We had about 24 gallons of paint, a battery, and tons of used motor oil. I knew there was a place to discard this, but never paid it much attention because I never had to do it. So, I called the city of Tracy, who referred me over to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility in Stockton. This facility services all of the San Joaquin County and is located at 7850 R.A. Bridgeford St. in Stockton. When I called I was told that there was a charge for businesses at a little over $5.00 per gallon. However, the representative also stated that if you are a residence it is free to dispose of waste up to 15 gallons. When I went to the facility, I was told that I can make as many trips as I could for FREE! I don't know about you, but when I hear that word...I get excited.

Once I arrived at the facility, I saw all kinds of items there: Things like:

• Paints
• Primers
• Pool Chemicals
• Batteries
• Varnishes
• Solvents
• Thermometers
• Anti-Freeze
• Transmission Fluids
• Televisions
• Computers
• Pesticides
• Cleaners
• Strippers

 So, when you are about to do a trash out or even if you about to start your spring cleaning, keep your environment in mind. Don't throw, wash down the drain or pour these hazardous chemicals in the ground. Put them to the side and take them to your local Household Hazardous Waste Facility.

Some Helpful Hints: 

•Ø      Contact the facility and let them know the quantity you have of each item, this will help you know what there limits are and guarantee that you will be able to dispose your items for FREE! You can make as many trips as you need, but don't take too much at one time.

•Ø      The facility has a Re-Use Room. This room consists of products that may not have been used or partially used. The Stockton Facility allows San Joaquin residents to take up as many as 10 items per visit for FREE! The products can include: usuable paint, solvents, plant fertilizers, pesticides, cleaners, pool supplies, and more.

•Ø      If located outside of San Joaquin County, contact your local household waste facility to find out what their guidelines are for discarding these hazardous materials.

Hazardous Household Waste Facility

7850 R.A. Bridgeford St. Stockton, CA 95206

Contact: 209-468-3066

Open: Thurs-Sat. 9:00AM to 3:00PM.

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Check out: Real Estate Terms/Definitions.  And take a look at Mother and Daughter Blog and D'Adrea's Mother and Daughter Blog  - for other tips for Sellers and Buyers. I work with my mother as the Mother and Daughter Real Estate Team at Family Realty Group and we also focus in Short Sales and the Pre-Foreclosure process and REOs/Bank Owned Properties.  Our consultations are free.  Our aggressive marketing plan includes on-line listing advertising.  If you are thinking of selling or buying a home in Northern California's Central Valley (San Joaquin County CA - includes Stockton, Manteca, Tracy, Lathrop) plus Stanislaus County CA - includes Modesto, Salida, Riverbank) & the East Bay (Alameda County CA - includes Hayward, Fremont, Newark, Union City & Oakland) and surrounding areas give us a call.  If you would like a FREE Home Seller or Home Buyer Handbook, please call us at 866-750-8282 or email at US.