Sometimes it is unbeknownst to the homeowner, but every household generates hazardous waste. Lawrence and Scioto County residents can now dispose of that waste and other harmful and hazardous materials free of charge.

The Lawrence-Scioto County Solid Waste Management District is hosting its eighth annual Household Hazardous Waste Event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at the Dow Chemicals/Americas Styrenics property at 925 County Road 1-A in Hanging Rock.

Solid waste coordinator Dan Palmer says this is one of the district’s largest and most important events.

“We have a variety of programs available to the public and this is one of our biggest,” Palmer said. “Some county’s are toying with the notion of eliminating this type of event because the cost-to-benefit ratio is just not feasible.”

The event has maintained its popularity over the past few years. In 2011, Palmer said, 322 vehicles drove through, which is an average of 80 per hour, and in 2012, an average of 55 per hour.

Having this event at Dow Chemicals/Americas Styrenics in a no-brainer, said Palmer.

“We have an excellent place to host this event,” he said. “Brian Funk, the plant manager there, is great to work with and the property is just off the main highway with really good access. Cars constantly flow in and out and many line up at 8 a.m., an hour before it even starts.”

Palmer encourages residents in the district to take advantage of being able to dispose of unwanted and unneeded hazardous materials.

“If a person is going to throw something away, but aren’t sure how to properly do so, they should bring it to the event. It gives people the opportunity to get of materials they otherwise wouldn’t know how to get rid of properly,” he said. “If we didn’t have this event, it’s hard telling where some of these items would end up. All in all, I believe in this event and it satisfies the Environmental Protection Agency.”

Another benefit of the event is the ability to safely, discreetly and legally dispose of medications. A Lawrence County deputy sheriff will be on hand for those wishing to dispose of unwanted pharmaceuticals.

“Our district was one of the first in the state to take in pharmaceuticals,” Palmer said. “We have to have a deputy there to do that and Sheriff (Jeff) Lawless has been great to work with.”

For those who can’t make it to the event and need to throw away unwanted or unneeded pharmaceuticals, a drug drop box is located in the lobby of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office year round.

Palmer requests those who are bringing items to dispose of put them in a sturdy box that can be left at the event, do not mix any chemicals and have proof of residency, such as driver’s license or a utility bill.

 

ITEMS ACCEPTED

• Scrap tires (passenger, light truck) 10 per person

• Lead acid batteries

• Motor oil

• Brake fluid

• Used antifreeze

• Paints, thinners, solvents

• Cleaners with acid or lye

• Pesticides

• Herbicides

• Pool chemicals

• Pharmaceuticals

• Electronics (cell phones, scanners, printers, etc.

• Computers (CPU, monitor, keyboards, mice)

 

ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED

• Explosives

• Ammunition

• Trash

• Needles/syringes

• Yard waste

• Heating oil tanks

• Fuel tanks

• Appliances

• Televisions