Get rid of pesky hazardous waste this weekend
One of the most troublesome issues modern society has to deal with is hazardous waste. We don’t seem to have much trouble producing it, but we do find it hard to figure out how to dispose of it safely and conveniently.
The average home in Tennessee produces 20 pounds of household hazardous waste every year, and households in Warren County are no different. In fact, in the last nine years, over 2,000 Warren County residents have participated in the collection program, properly disposing of almost 120,000 pounds of household hazardous waste.
And it’s in the spirit of that cooperation that Warren County will host its 10th annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event this Saturday the Three Star Mall parking lot. The event will run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and all Warren County residents are encouraged to use this opportunity to rid their homes of unwanted hazardous materials.
Thanks to a grant from the Tennessee Department of Environment, the disposal doesn’t cost the county, or county residents, one penny. It’s free for anyone who wishes to participate, as long as it’s household waste. No commercial or agribusiness waste will be accepted. Other unacceptable items include tires, radioactive materials, explosives, and any medical waste. Each family can bring up to 100 pounds of household hazardous waste and the weight limit will be enforced.
Materials should be kept in the original container if possible. If the material is not in the original container, such as used paint thinner, place it in a plastic jug with a secure lid and label the contents. No open containers will be accepted.
Some of the hazardous materials that will be accepted include things like Drano, antifreeze, pesticides, weed killer, paint, paint stripper, kerosene, gasoline, various types of batteries, mercury thermometers and thermostats, pool chemicals and propane cylinders.
New to this year’s collection is the addition of electronics recycling and fluorescent tube disposal. Households may bring computers and peripherals as well as TVs. Console televisions must be dismantled, however.
Local officials have been pleased with Warren County’s response in the past, but want to keep improving the figures locally so the event will continue.
“Last year we had 264 families in Warren County who came to the event,” said Litter Grant Coordinator Mary Lou Ward. “We’re trying for 300 this year. This is absolutely free to the county.”
This event is a great opportunity for citizens to make a difference. By safely disposing of these materials you are protecting your family and pets from accidental poisonings and fire, ensuring the safety of sanitation workers, and keeping the environment of Tennessee free from pollution.
For more information about the Warren County Household Hazardous Waste Collection, or to check to see if a household waste item is acceptable for collection, call Mary Lou Ward at 473-2381. And remember, the new location is the parking lot of Three Star Mall.
Household Hazardous
Waste Collection
When: Saturday
Where: Three Star Mall
Time: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.