 By: Wendy Warren, District Manager
Do you have old light bulbs, paints, electronics, cleaners, or other items sitting around your house that you are just waiting to get rid of?? These materials, classified as Household Hazardous Waste, are “leftover household products that can catch fire, react, or explode under certain circumstances, or that are corrosive or toxic” (EPA). Proper storage and disposal are important for not only the safety of ourselves and others, but also for the protection of our environment. Thankfully, many areas, including our own, provide disposal programs which keep these substances out of landfills which can leach into the groundwater. Antrim Conservation District will host HHW collection days in Elk Rapids on May 18th (tires only) and June 15th (no tires), Bellaire on August 3rd, and Mancelona on September 14th. Each household of Antrim county may bring up to 100 lbs. of household hazardous waste free of charge. Typical waste accepted at these events includes pesticides, fertilizers, cleansers, poisons, auto fluids, used oil, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, computers, T.V.s, and oil-based paints. Scrap tires will also be accepted (up to 10 free per household) and will not count towards the 100 lb. limit. Waste weighing more than 100 lbs. will be charged a fee of $1.00 per pound. Additionally, latex paint will be charged a separate fee of $1.00 per gallon. Because it is not hazardous, homeowners are encouraged to mix latex paint with sawdust or kitty litter, let it solidify then place it in their regular garbage, rather than bringing it to the household hazardous waste event. The cost to taxpayers for these events is kept to a minimum by utilizing volunteers to help unload waste from vehicles. Antrim Conservation District is seeking businesses who would like to display their logo or sign in exchange for volunteer help. Non-profits in the area will receive a donation from the Antrim Conservation District in exchange for volunteer assistance (volunteers over 18 years of age). Call (231) 533-8363 ext. 1 to register as a volunteer or to get more information. For more information about ACD’s HHW collection days, click here, stop by our office at 4820 Stover Rd. in Bellaire, or call us at (231)533-8363. Kalkaska Conservation District will host their HHW collection day on July 20th. See their website at www.kalkaskaconservation.org or call their office at (231) 258-3307 for more information. Source: https://www.epa.gov/hw/household-hazardous-waste-hhw
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