Tennesseans looking for a responsible way to rid their homes of potentially harmful substances can mark their calendars. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation's (TDEC) mobile household hazardous waste collection service is making its way to Cannon, Henderson, and Washington counties on Saturday, April 12, according to an announcement on the state's official website. There's no need for residents to live in these counties to participate; the program is open to all individuals in the state seeking a safe method to dispose of these items.
Items acceptable at the event include a wide range of household hazardous waste — such as cleaning fluids, pesticides, and swimming pool chemicals. However, ammunition, explosives, and electronics are among the items not accepted. TDEC Commissioner David Salyers emphasized the service's convenience, stating, "We welcome all Tennesseans to take advantage of this opportunity to show their commitment to environmental protection." The statement, obtained from the Tennessee government's official website, aligns with the program's ethos since its inception in 1993.
The designated drop-off locations for the collection event are as follows: Cannon County Fairgrounds Arena, the Henderson County Convenience Center, and Daniel Boone High School in Washington County, with each having specific contact persons and operating hours. Since its launch, the program has seen participation from over 373,000 households, which has culminated in the proper disposal of more than 25 million pounds of hazardous materials.
There is no cost or appointment needed to drop off household hazardous waste. Still, for Very Small Quantity Generator Waste — from sources such as businesses, schools, and churches — there are disposal fees and required appointments. For more information or to schedule an appointment, individuals can reach out at (615) 643-3170 for a price quote. Moreover, various localities offer collections of minimally hazardous materials like batteries, paint, and electronics, known as BOPAE. Residents are encouraged to contact their city or county solid waste department for BOPAE collection sites.
When bringing materials to a collection site, the public is advised to safely package them to prevent spills during transport and to keep them away from children and pets. For further details on the household hazardous waste mobile collection service, Tennesseans can call 800-287-9013 or visit TDEC's Household Hazardous Waste Program page online, ensuring they are doing their part for environmental stewardship.
