Residents of Sumner County and surrounding areas have an upcoming opportunity to safely dispose of their household hazardous waste. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) announced a mobile collection service to be held at Moss Wright Park in Goodlettsville on October 19 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The initiative is an open invitation to Tennesseans looking to get rid of harmful waste such as cleaning fluids, pesticides, and swimming pool chemicals.
Since 1993, this program has aided over 373,000 households in discarding upwards of 24 million pounds of waste responsibly. This time, the collection point is set to facilitate the drop-off of items that are flammable, toxic, reactive, and/or corrosive. "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," said TDEC Commissioner David Salyers. Participants are encouraged to participate regardless of their county of residence.
The list of acceptable items includes not only the above-mentioned wastes but also mercury thermometers, thermostats, fluorescent lamps, batteries, aerosols, adhesives, expired medications, brake fluid, and used needles in sturdy containers. They underscore the importance of not mixing these with regular garbage due to their hazardous properties. However, the event will not accept ammunition, explosives, alkaline batteries, electronics, and any materials that can be disposed of in regular trash. The collection is free for residents, and no appointments are necessary.
Businesses and non-household entities, on the other hand, are required to make an appointment for the disposal of Very Small Quantity Generator Waste. Those interested may call for a price quote and to schedule a time. For materials like batteries, oil, paint, antifreeze, and electronics — often referred to as BOPAE — residents should reach out to local solid waste departments about recycling options rather than bringing them to the hazardous waste event.
When delivering materials to Moss Wright Park, TDEC advises that all items should be placed in sturdy boxes, lined with newspaper or plastic to avoid spills and cross-contamination. The safety precautions extend to transportation, with the recommendation to keep all hazardous materials out of reach of children and pets during transit to the collection site. This effort provides an important service for maintaining environmental health and safety within the community.
