A. Take it to Madison/Dane County Clean Sweep on Fish Hatchery Road.

"Turpentine and brush cleaners, any kind of solvent-based stuff like that, needs to come down here to Clean Sweep," said Dave Radisewitz, who coordinates the program that offers homeowners a safe and free way to dispose of hazardous waste.

But first, Clean Sweep wants you to minimize your waste when you tackle a painting job. Buy only the amount of paint you need and try to use it up. Give away paint in good condition to someone who can use it.

Latex paint is relatively non-toxic. If an inch or less is left in the can, Clean Sweep recommends that you mix it with cat litter or a latex paint hardener, available at your hardware store, and allow it to harden. Once the latex paint has solidified, it can be put in the trash.

Oil or solvent-based paints, including automotive paints, should be brought to Clean Sweep, as should finish removers, furniture strippers, stain, shellac, varnish, thinner and turpentine.

"What we're here for is to take the stuff that's too hazardous to throw in the trash or flush down your drain," Radisewitz said.

Clean Sweep is at 2302 Fish Hatchery Road, on the South Side, north of the Beltline and on the north end of the Dane County Highway Garage.

It's open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Oct. 31. See www.danecountycleansweep.com.

— Anita Clark

Have a concern? Look for Safe & Sound on Fridays in the Local section. Send questions to: aclark@madison.com; 608-252-6138; Safe and Sound, P.O. Box 8058, Madison, WI 53708.