On Saturday, residents of Fentress, Lincoln, Meigs, and Rutherford counties can safely dispose of hazardous waste at no cost. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) will offer a mobile household hazardous waste collection service at various locations throughout these counties. The service provides a safe way for individuals to dispose of dangerous items like cleaning products and pesticides.
The collection service is available to all citizens in the participating counties and is part of TDEC’s effort to make hazardous waste disposal more accessible. TDEC Commissioner David Salyers encouraged residents to use the service to properly dispose of hazardous materials and contribute to environmental protection.
Drop-off points are set up in Fentress, Lincoln, Meigs, and Rutherford counties. Locations include: the recycling department in Jamestown (Fentress County), the Fayetteville/Lincoln County Recycle Center (Lincoln County), the Decatur Farmers Market (Meigs County), and the Murfreesboro Solid Waste Department (Rutherford County). These sites will be open for a limited time on Saturday.
Since 1993, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has hosted over 1,500 collection events and helped dispose of more than 25 million pounds of hazardous materials. Items accepted include fluorescent lamps, mercury-containing devices, and various chemicals. However, explosives and electronic waste will not be accepted. Businesses and schools must make an appointment and pay a fee to dispose of non-household waste.
Residents are also encouraged to check with local solid waste departments for other disposal options for less hazardous materials like batteries, oil, paint, and electronics. Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation advises transporting hazardous materials carefully to avoid spills or contamination.
