I did some checking to find the best possibilities for your question. Paint cans can be disposed of in your regular garbage once the paint is dried up. For either oil based paint or latex, remove the lid and fill the can with an absorbant like kitty litter or shredded newspaper and let it dry - preferably outside - away from children and pets and where odors will not be a problem. When the mass is solid (dry), throw away without the lid so that your garbage hauler can see that it is dry. Paint is no longer toxic when it is solid.
If you have full or unopened cans of paint, you can donate them to Habitat for Humanity in Urbana. The number is 355-6460 and they are located at 40 E. University Avenue, Urbana. They ask that you call first before coming.
Old television sets and computers can be taken to Mac's Twin City Recycling at 2802 N Lincoln Avenue in Urbana. The phone number is 217-328-2100. Benchmark Computers will also take old computers. They are located at 126 W Main, Urbana (off of Goose Alley). They are open 9 - 5 on Monday through Friday and the phone number is 217-367-9716.
Hazardous household chemical disposal is a little trickier as to places/times they will be accepted. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) holds collections in the Spring and Fall at about 25 sites each, but it is hit or miss as to being in our area. There was one in Champaign at the end of June. The next ones should be in October. Look online at www.epa.state.il.us/land/hazardous-waste to find out dates, times, and locations. You can also call our local Champaign EPA office at 217-333-8940 and ask for Ken.
If you have pesticide (container) waste, you can take it to Randolph Ag Service in Heyworth. Please call ahead at 309-473-3256.
I also discovered that the Urbana Public Works Department has a brochure online at www.city.urbana.il.us called "Where Do I Take It?" that can be printed off. They regularly update this resource. You can find it by clicking on the recycling bar on the left -hand side of the screen and then by clicking on Disposal Brochure.
You can also read more about this topic at www.solutions.uiuc.edu by searching 57 topics concerning household living.
