Are hidden dangers
lurking in your home?
Cleansers, pesticides
and other chemicals make our lives more convenient, but they can also pose
health risks.
To help local
residents get rid of unused or unneeded hazardous waste products in their homes,
Clatsop County is hosting its annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day,
Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 2320 SE 12th Place,
Warrenton, near the Astoria Airport.
County residents can
bring in a variety of toxic, flammable and other materials for disposal at no
charge.
The following items
are examples of what will be accepted:
· Bug, weed, pest
killers
· Poisons, cleaners,
rechargeable batteries
· Paints, stains,
thinners, solvents, wood preservatives
· Auto/boat fluids,
gas, antifreeze
· Mercury-containing
thermometers, fluorescent light tubes, compact fluorescent bulbs
· Home arts,
photography, hobby supplies and more
The Collection Event
is the product of the Clatsop County Household Hazardous Waste Program, a
collaborative project between the county, cities, Western Oregon Waste and other
stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategy for reducing and properly
disposing of residential hazardous waste. Each year the program hosts a waste
collection event, alternating between the north and south county.
The program is funded
by a small surcharge on all solid waste going through WOW’s Transfer Station in
Astoria. Clean Harbors Environmental Services, a national hazardous waste
management company, is contracted to collect and properly dispose of the
materials brought to the Collection Day events.
The last two county
events collected more than 122,000 pounds of hazardous material.
The following
materials will NOT be accepted at the event:
· Medications or
medical waste, including syringes
· Tires
· Explosives
· Radioactive or
asbestos materials
· Business or
construction waste*
*A collection time
for businesses that generate less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste a month,
designated as Conditionally Exempt Generators (CEGs), will be held Friday, May 3
at the same location by APPOINTMENT ONLY – no drop-ins will be accepted. For CEG
registration call Clean Harbors Environmental Services at (503) 305-2159.
Properly getting rid
of common hazardous materials can reduce a variety of risks, according to
Maureen Taylor, Household Hazardous Waste Program Coordinator.
“Our goal is to
provide a safe, easy way for residents to dispose of toxic dangerous products
that tend to accumulate around our home,” she said. “We know this will decrease
accidental poisoning and injuries to our children and pets, prevent unnecessary
work related exposures to our waste haulers and fire fighters, and decrease
environmental damages that occur when people improperly discard hazardous wastes
into the sewer, storm drains or on the ground.”
Residents with
material for the Collection Day event should keep the products in their original
containers, secured with lids, and placed in boxes.
For more information,
go to “Household Hazardous Waste” at www.co.clatsop.or.us or call Clatsop
County Public Health at (503) 325-8500.
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