Illinois EPA officials are suspending hazardous waste collections programs temporarily. Agency officials announced Monday that the current disposal facility in Ohio where they send hazardous waste to had a fire in July and can’t incinerate any waste. Officials estimate the facility won’t be operational until mid-November.

Illinois EPA has canceled its one-day collection events and closed its long-term disposal facilities. The agency is working on finding an alternative facility, though officials warn there is a nationwide incinerator backlog. Officials urge Illinois residents to store items like oil-based paints, herbicides, and cleaning supplies in their original containers until they resume collecting.

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