Carroll County Solid Waste Management Commission is once again partnering with Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) for their free Household Hazardous Waste Day on Saturday, April 21 at the Carroll DMACC campus. Director of the commission, Mary Wittry, says that everybody has some form of hazardous waste in their household. Many people just don’t know how to dispose of it properly, she says, or understand the need to do it in the right way.
In 2017, more than 80 cars came through with over 2,800 pounds of hazardous waste, including more than 700 gallons of oil-based paint and 320 pounds of pesticides. Jen Schulte says that there are things that you can look for when determining what is considered hazardous.
She adds that the rechargeable batteries are creating problems as they are causing fires at landfills when they are run over by heavy equipment. Sharps may also be brought in, but must be in an appropriate, puncture-proof container with a lid. Nadine Jessen says they want to help people understand that there are many items that they will not accept during the drive.
Propane cylinders, explosives, fire extinguishers, radioactive materials and non-hazardous materials will not be accepted. All items brought in should be left in the original containers, with labels intact. Place them into a box or other container and put them in the back of a truck or in the trunk and drive into the assigned area at DMACC. Organizers will have you pull up under the tarp and will help unload. Collections will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and will be held rain or shine. Since its inception in 2000, Wittry says they have had more than 2,500 participants who have turned in over 97,000 pounds of hazardous waste. Those with questions can get more information from the landfill and recycling office through the contact points included below.
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792-5001
