The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) is set to provide a mobile household hazardous waste collection service in Tipton, Trousdale, and Williamson counties on Saturday, May 4. This initiative is part of a broader effort to facilitate the proper disposal of hazardous materials for Tennesseans, emphasizing convenience and environmental responsibility.
Residents from any county are welcome to participate in the event, which aims to collect a wide range of household hazardous wastes. Items that can be disposed of at the event include cleaning fluids, pesticides, swimming pool chemicals, mercury-containing devices like thermometers and thermostats, fluorescent lamps, lithium and button batteries, aerosols, adhesives, outdated or unwanted medications, brake fluid, and used needles (provided they are in sturdy containers). However, the service does not accept ammunition, explosives, alkaline batteries, paint, electronics, and empty containers, as these should be dealt with through other disposal methods.
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The collection will take place at three designated drop-off locations across the mentioned counties, with no cost or appointment necessary for household hazardous waste disposal. The locations and times are as follows: Brighton High School in Tipton County, Trousdale County Convenience Center in Hartsville, and the Williamson County Administrative Complex in Franklin. Each location has a specific contact for attendees who may have questions regarding the event.
TDEC Commissioner David Salyers expressed the department’s commitment to making recycling of hazardous waste accessible for the residents of Tennessee. The program, which began in 1993, has seen significant participation, with over 373,000 households disposing of more than 24 million pounds of hazardous material through more than 1,500 one-day collection events.
For businesses, schools, farms, churches, and other non-household sources generating small quantities of hazardous waste, disposal is available for a fee, and an appointment is required.
In addition to the mobile collection service, Tennesseans are encouraged to utilize local resources for the disposal of batteries, oil, paint, antifreeze, and electronic scrap, known collectively as BOPAE. Proper handling and disposal of these materials are crucial for environmental safety and are often provided by city or county solid waste departments.
When preparing materials for drop-off, it is recommended to transport them in sturdy boxes lined with newspaper or plastic to prevent spills and cross-contamination. It is also important to keep these materials out of reach of children and pets during transportation.
For more information on the household hazardous waste mobile collection service, individuals can call 800-287-9013 or visit the TDEC website.
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