It’s your home; make it safe by properly disposing of dangerous products
2011 Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program schedule announced
Most area residents likely have dangerous products in their homes. Maybe it’s the forgotten drain cleaner under the sink. Perhaps it’s the motor oil or lawn chemicals stored in the garage. It could even be the old paint in the basement left over from that remodeling project a few years back. Keeping unwanted materials stored at home can be unsafe. So how can residents safely dispose of these hazardous items?
The Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program, coordinated by the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) Solid Waste Management District, can help. Eleven mobile collection events scheduled throughout the year provide residents of 34 Missouri communities with opportunities to conveniently and safely dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW). Common household hazardous products include paint, paint strippers, varnishes, adhesives and glues, hobby supplies, batteries, motor oil and automotive fluids, compact florescent light bulbs, lawn and garden chemicals and pesticides.
All mobile events are open to residents of any participating community; others will be charged a disposal fee of $75. Only household waste is collected at these events. No business waste is accepted.
A complete list of the 2011 HHW collection event schedule and participating communities is in this release. Additional details about the program can be found at www.recyclespot.org or by calling the HHW Program Coordinator at (816) 701-8226. Claycomo, Oak Grove and unincorporated Cass County are not in the program in 2011. The Village of Loch Lloyd is a new member this year.
The Regional HHW Program is administered by the MARC Solid Waste Management District, with funding provided in part by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and participating cities and counties.
What are the dangers of HHW?
Improper use, storage and disposal of hazardous products in your home can be dangerous. Each year, scores of Americans are injured by household hazardous waste — these products can cause poisonings, severe burns, illness, blindness and even death. Though usually safe when used according to label directions, these materials can be harmful if inappropriately handled or stored. Because of its hazardous qualities, HHW cannot be thrown out with regular trash. By disposing of HHW at mobile events or permanent collection facilities, residents are helping to keep their home safe, protect the environment and preserve public health.
What can you do to keep your home and community safe?
- Read labels carefully. Avoid buying products that include dangerous ingredients. Note terms such as “danger,” “flammable,” “corrosive,” “toxic” or “poison.”
- Use safer alternative products whenever possible, such as non-toxic household cleaners or earth-friendly lawn-care products.
- Buy only as much material as you need. Partially used leftovers waste your money, take up space and pose a health hazard to your family. Plan ahead and determine what’s needed.
- Share surplus materials with others. Instead of storing leftover HHW such as paint, share what you can’t use with neighbors or friends, or else offer extra materials using online resources such as Craigslist.
- Properly dispose of HHW at a mobile collection event or permanent facility.
Schedule of 2011 mobile HHW events
Residents of participating communities may attend any mobile event. For specific locations contact the respective city hall or county offices, call the MARC Solid Waste Management District at (816) 701-8226 or visit www.recyclespot.org.
Date |
Community |
Type |
Time |
|
|
|
|
April 2 |
Independence |
HHW |
9 a.m.–1 p.m. |
April 16 |
Blue Springs |
HHW |
8 a.m.–12 p.m. |
April 30 |
Grain Valley / Jackson County |
HHW |
8 a.m.–12 p.m. |
May 14 |
Harrisonville |
HHW |
8 a.m.–12 p.m. |
June 4 |
Gladstone |
ABOP |
8 a.m.–12 p.m. |
June 25 |
Belton |
HHW |
8 a.m.–12 p.m. |
August 13 |
Platte County / Weston / Platte City |
HHW |
8 a.m.–12 p.m. |
August 27 |
Pleasant Hill / Raymore |
ABOP |
8 a.m.–12 p.m. |
Sept 10 |
Kearney |
HHW |
8 a.m.–12 p.m. |
October 1 |
Riverside |
ABOP |
8 a.m.–12 p.m. |
October 22 |
Liberty |
HHW |
8 a.m.–12 p.m. |
“ABOP” events accept only antifreeze, batteries, motor oil and paint.
Two permanent collection facilities located in Kansas City, Mo., and Lee’s Summit also accept HHW. Drop-off services are available at no charge to residents of participating communities. Nonmembers have access to the Lee’s Summit facility for $50 per 100 pounds. Facility details are available online at www.recyclespot.org. Appointments are required at both locations.
Kansas City, Mo.: (816) 513-8400 Open year-round Located just south of the Chouteau Bridge |
Lee’s Summit: (816) 969-1805 |
Participating Communities in the 2011 Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program:
Belton • Blue Springs • Cleveland • Excelsior Springs • Garden City • Gladstone • Glenaire • Greenwood • Grain Valley • Harrisonville • Independence • Kansas City, Mo. • Kearney • Lake Lotawana • Lake Tapawingo • Lake Waukomis • Lake Winnebago • Lee's Summit • Liberty • Loch Lloyd • Lone Jack • Parkville • Platte City Pleasant Hill • Pleasant Valley • Raymore • Riverside • Smithville • Sugar Creek • Weatherby Lake • Unincorporated Clay County • Unincorporated Jackson County • Unincorporated Platte County • Weston