The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s mobile household hazardous waste (HHW) collection service will be in DeKalb County on Saturday, October 28 from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the lot between DeKalb Farmer’s Coop and the Church of God.
“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 wastes at no cost,” said Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke. “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.”
The average home in Tennessee produces 20 pounds of household hazardous waste each year. Typical items to dispose of include cleaning fluids, pesticides, batteries, mercury thermometers and thermostats, swimming pool chemicals, paints and thinners and automotive fluids. Also accepted are fluorescent bulbs and electronics such as televisions, computer monitors, keyboards, computer mouse devices and computer processing units. Console televisions must be dismantled.
Items not accepted include microwave ovens, ammunition, explosives, medical waste and any items from a school, commercial business or agri-business.
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, away from children and pets. Materials should be kept in the original container whenever possible. If not, place it in a plastic jug with a secure lid and label the contents.
In 2005, more than 1.5 million pounds of household hazardous waste and 309,000 pounds of electronics were collected from 22,427 households at collection events across the state. Since 1993, households have properly disposed of more than 14 million pounds of material. This material is flammable, toxic, reactive and/or corrosive and should not be placed in with regular garbage.
For more information on the household hazardous waste mobile collection service, please call
1-800-287-9013 or the County Executive’s Office at 597-5175
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