News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Upper Cumberland residents will have a chance on Saturday to get rid of unwanted cleaning fluids, pesticides, batteries and more.
The Putnam County Fairgrounds will be hosting TDEC’s annual household hazardous waste collection service.
Putnam County Clean Commission Executive Coordinator Shannon Reese said the event will be a couple of months earlier as the county begins construction on a permanent household waste facility.
“The facility was supposed to be built in July, but it’s not going to be finished by then,” Reese said. “We wanted to have at least one event in the Spring since we were going to have our facility but it’s not quite ready yet. Normally it’s in the fall, but we are having this one in March.”
Reese said the new facility on West Jackson Street will provide residents more opportunities to get rid of hazardous items.
“Normally, people have to wait a whole year to be able to dispose of it and it’s really a hassle,” Reese said. “Once we get a permanent facility up and running they will be able to take the hazardous materials throughout the year.”
Reese said Saturday’s event allows residents to dispose of the materials in an environmentally responsible way.
“It’s really important that you store these materials properly and dispose of them correctly,” Reese said. “Otherwise, it pollutes the water and land and some of these things can be toxic.”
Household hazardous waste materials are considered flammable, toxic, reactive or corrosive and should not be placed with regular garbage. Typical items to dispose of include cleaning fluids, pesticides, mercury thermometers and thermostats, fluorescent lamps, lithium and button batteries, aerosols, adhesives, medications, brake fluid, swimming pool chemicals, paint thinner and used needles in sturdy containers.
Paint, electronics, and ammunition will not be accepted during the event.
