News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Putnam County residents looking to dispose of hazardous waste and chemicals can do so this weekend via a mobile disposal unit at the Putnam County Fairgrounds.
Shannon Reece is the Executive Coordinator of the Keep Putnam County Clean Commission. She said the event is a way to help prevent hazardous materials from contaminating the environment.
“It’s very important because we do not want these chemicals being poured onto the land or getting into our water and polluting the land and the water,” Reece said. “So it’s really important we protect our water supply and our land.”
Reece said although there are plenty of items people can bring to dispose, there are also several items that the mobile unit will not be able to take in.
“Things you should not bring – biological medicines, biological materials, they don’t want ammunition, they don’t want paint,” Reece said. “But anything [like] pesticides, old chemicals, those are the things we want you to bring.”
Reece added fluorescent light bulbs and prescription medication will also be accepted by the mobile unit, but any electronics will not be taken. Although paint will not be accepted, additional info will be given to those looking to dispose of it.
Reece said volunteers from Tennessee Tech University will be on hand to help keep track of what types of the different types of waste and materials people are looking to dispose of.
The mobile unit arrives Saturday, Sept. 15 and will begin accepting hazardous materials at 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.
