A site for University of Wisconsin students and Dane County residents to safely dispose unwanted televisions, computers and a slew of other items containing hazardous material is set to open next week.

Instead of throwing old aerosol cans, leftover paint or old thermometers in the Dumpster — where the hazardous materials they contain can seep into the ground and contaminate water — Madison and Dane County Public Health are encouraging everyone to get rid of their waste safely.

“Is this a hassle? Well,yeah, you have to do a little extra,” said Jeff Golden, communications manager for Public Health. “Recycling is a little extra work; it’s not as easy as just tossing it.”

Golden said many of the products people bring are gently used, or half-full paint cans so the site also offers a product exchange program where residents can take products off the shelves for free.

According to recycling coordinator George Dreckmann, Madison streets no longer pick up computer monitors, stereos or televisions from the curb.

As of the first of the year, the city requires residents purchase a $10 sticker from the city and drop the items off at 1051 W. Badger Road.

There is no charge for items like computer keyboards, telephones, VCRs and printers.

Dreckmann said Madison no longer collects these items off the curbs because they would go straight to a landfill, and these materials contain harmful chemicals that can get into the groundwater.

“We want to keep all that kind of stuff out of the landfill,” Dreckmann said.

According to Dreckmann, residents have been very receptive to the recycling drop off program, with more than 37 tons of material collected so far this year.

“It’s really starting to take off now that the weather’s warm,” he added.

City streets trucks still pick up large furniture items off the curb at no charge. Furniture is collected on the same day as regular trash pick up and goes to the landfill.

Clean Sweep opens May 2 at 2302 Fish Hatchery Road and will stay open through the end of October.