Disposal of oil-based and latex paints, oven cleaners, corrosive cleaners, pool and spa chemicals and used batteries is something a new state grant will pay for in Island County over the next two years.

The Coordinated Prevention Grant, a $283,404 chunk of money headed directly for the county’s solid waste department, is a replacement for a grant that ended on Dec. 31, 2001. It will be used by the county to dispose of household hazardous waste materials at the county’s transfer stations.

The grant will terminate on Dec. 31, 2002.

“Household materials are considered moderate risk waste,” said Jerry Mingo, coordinator of the recycling and hazardous waste for the county. “This grant will help fund the costs of disposal of these items.”

Households and businesses who dispose of less than 220 pounds per month of moderate waste should make use of this service, he said.

This grant has been funded every two years since Washington state voters approved Initiative 97 in 1990. The initiative created a first-time possession tax paid by manufacturers of hazardous materials sold in the state.