The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) will conduct a mobile household hazardous waste collection service in Anderson, Houston, and Wilson counties on Saturday, October 5. Residents are encouraged to bring hazardous household items such as cleaning fluids, pesticides, and swimming pool chemicals to designated drop-off locations. Participation is open to all, regardless of county residency.
The drop-off locations and times are as follows:
Latest TN News
– **Anderson County:** Oak Ridge Public Works Department, 100 Woodbury Lane, Oak Ridge, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Contact: Geoff Trabalka at (865) 463-6845.
– **Houston County:** Houston County Convenience Center, 1136 Firetower Rd, Erin, 8 a.m.-noon. Contact: Joey Brake at (931) 289-3633.
– **Wilson County:** James E. Ward Agricultural Center, Wilson County Fairgrounds, 945 E. Baddour Parkway, Lebanon, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Contact: Cindy Lynch at (615) 444-8360.
TDEC Commissioner David Salyers stated, “We want it to be convenient for Tennesseans to recycle household hazardous waste, and this collection service is a great way to show that commitment. We are pleased we can offer this service, and we encourage Tennesseans to participate.”
Since its inception in 1993, the program has helped over 373,000 Tennessee households properly dispose of more than 24 million pounds of hazardous materials through over 1,500 one-day collection events.
Household hazardous waste includes items that are flammable, toxic, reactive, and/or corrosive and should not be mixed with regular garbage. Common items for disposal are cleaning fluids, pesticides, mercury thermometers, thermostats, fluorescent lamps, lithium and button batteries, aerosols, adhesives, medications, brake fluid, swimming pool chemicals, paint thinner, and used needles in sturdy containers. Items not accepted include ammunition, explosives, alkaline batteries, paint, electronics, and empty containers, which should be disposed of with regular trash. There is no cost or appointment necessary for household hazardous waste collection.
Disposal of Very Small Quantity Generator Waste (waste from non-household entities such as businesses, schools, farms, churches, etc.) does incur a cost and requires an appointment. Interested parties should call (615) 643-3170 for a price quote and to schedule an appointment.
Local residents can also dispose of batteries, oil, paint, antifreeze, and electronic scrap (BOPAE) through their county or municipal solid waste departments. These materials, while minimally hazardous when handled correctly, are inappropriate for household hazardous waste events. Residents should contact their local waste departments to locate BOPAE collection sites.
When transporting hazardous materials to collection sites, place the containers in sturdy boxes lined with newspaper or plastic to prevent spills and cross-contamination. Keep materials away from children and pets during transport.
For more information on the household hazardous waste mobile collection service, please call 800-287-9013 or visit this link.
Source: Read Original Release
TDOT Aids East Tennessee Flood Recovery
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has deployed its Strike Force team and bridge inspection crews to East Tennessee to assist with recovery efforts following severe flooding from Hurricane Helene, focusing on bridge safety and debris removal.