Household hazardous waste collection set for Nov. 15

E-mail this story

Print this story

Share

TOULON — The Stark County Farm Bureau and Stark County Soil and Water Conservation District, along with AgView FS, will conduct a free household hazardous waste collection from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Stark County Farm Bureau/AgView FS Facility east of Toulon.

This program will provide an opportunity for residents to safely dispose of unwanted household chemicals such as old pesticides, waste oil, paint, solvents, household cleaners, unwanted medicines and pharmaceuticals, etc. A complete list of what is accepted and what will not be accepted can be obtained by contacting the Stark County Farm Bureau at (309) 286-7481. Call with any questions about acceptable items. Participants will remain in their vehicles during the unloading process.

In many cases, the improper use, storage and/or disposal of hazardous household products can cause a health threat to one’s family. Containers stored over a long period of time can deteriorate and the resulting spill could cause the release of toxic gases or even an explosion. Environmental damage may also occur if chemicals are disposed of in the trash, poured down the drain or dumped on the ground. The collected waste will be segregated for proper disposal which may include chemical detoxification, incineration, fuel blending and recycling.

As an alternative to storing or improperly disposing of the unwanted chemicals, the IEPA suggests that people take advantage of this collection project. Anyone wishing to participate in the event should transport their waste to the collection site on Nov. 15. No business, industrial, agricultural, or school waste will be accepted. Funding is provided by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.