The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s mobile household hazardous waste collection service will be in Anderson, Franklin, Lincoln and Warren counties on Saturday, March 29.
“Our household hazardous waste mobile collection service provides the people of Tennessee with a safe, environmentally friendly way to dispose of unwanted household chemicals and other potentially hazardous waste at no cost,” Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau said. “This service travels across the state holding collection events in local communities, and we encourage all Tennesseans to take advantage of the opportunity to utilize it.”
On Saturday, March 29, any Tennessee resident may bring his or her household hazardous waste to the following locations. (Note that hours listed indicate the local time for events).
- Anderson County—Oak Ridge Public Works Department at 100 Woodbury Lane in Oak Ridge from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. The local contact for this HHW collection event is Geoff Trabalka at (865) 463-6845.
- Franklin County—Joyce Lane Recycle Center at 487 Joyce Lane in Winchester from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. The local contact for this HHW collection event is John DeMoll at (931) 967-1139.
- Lincoln County—Lincoln County Fairgrounds at 1003 Hedgemont Avenue in Fayetteville from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. The local contact for this HHW collection event is Gail Randolph at (931) 433-8208.
- Warren County—Three Star Mall at 1410 Sparta Street in McMinnville from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The local contact for this HHW collection event is Dennis Baird at (931) 473-2381.
Since the program’s inception in 1993, more than 310,000 households have properly disposed of more than 20 million pounds of material, a press release said. HHW material is considered flammable, toxic, reactive, and/or corrosive and should not be placed with regular garbage.
Typical items to dispose of include cleaning fluids, pesticides, mercury thermometers and thermostats, fluorescent bulbs, lithium and button batteries, aerosols, adhesives, medications, brake fluid, swimming pool chemicals, and paint thinner. Items not accepted include ammunition, explosives, alkaline batteries, paint, electronics, and medical waste. Business waste from conditionally exempt small quantity generators is now acceptable for a fee and by appointment. To request a price quote and schedule an appointment, call (615) 643-3180.
Many counties and municipalities meet the needs of local residents by providing collection of batteries, oil, paint, antifreeze, and electronic scrap—or BOPAE as it is sometimes called. When handled correctly, these BOPAE materials are minimally hazardous, but inappropriate for collection at household hazardous waste events. Contact your local city or county solid waste department to find BOPAE collection sites in your area.
When transporting materials to the site, place containers in sturdy boxes lined with newspaper to prevent spills and cross-contamination in the trunk of a car or back of a truck. Be sure to keep materials away from children and pets. Materials should be kept in the original container whenever possible. If not, place the waste in a plastic jug with a secure lid and label its contents.
For more information on the household hazardous waste mobile collection service, call (800) 287-9013 or visit http://www.tn.gov/environment/solid-waste/solid-waste_household-waste.shtml.
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