There is a bit of a nip in the air, the first digit of the thermometer is a “4”, the maple trees are turning color, and the produce in the garden is coming to an end. These are all hints that it is time for the fall Household Hazardous Waste event here in Fillmore County. As usual, the party will be held in Preston at the Resource Recovery Center/Recycling Center on the first Tuesday of October. This year it will be Tuesday, October 3, from noon until 5 p.m.
Go to your calendar now and write, “HHW” on the third of October. Every year we get phone calls a day or two after the event wondering when the “get rid of paint day” is going to be held. We can’t accept anything after the day of the event, so many have to wait another six months.
I am amazed how many people that drop items off are visiting us for the first time. It is a good sign that more people are disposing of this waste properly. Please allow me to quickly review some of the things that can and cannot be accepted at HHW day.
Paint is the main thing, both oil and water base. We only want cans that have paint in them. Paint cans that are rusted and leaking should be placed into another container or a leak proof plastic bag. Empty, dried out paint cans go into your landfill garbage. We will accept partially filled aerosol cans. Empty aerosol cans go into your landfill garbage. We will take your oven cleaners, drain cleaners, antifreeze, lawn care products, bug killers, weed killers, rodent poison, motor oil, outdated fuel (gasoline and diesel), adhesives, and tar are just a few of the items you maybe don’t need or want around your house.
This is a good day to get rid of all those button batteries and rechargeable batteries you have been saving up as well. Your normal alkaline batteries can go into landfill, but be sure to put each of your “dead” 9-volt batteries into a sandwich bag after you tape over the terminals. Need I mention mercury thermometers? There are still a few out there and we want them out of your home. There is no fee to dispose of batteries and thermometers.
There will be the usual charge for tube lights, CFLs, ballasts, tires, appliances, and e-waste, but this may be a good day to get rid of these things, as well.
Notices of the October 3 event are scheduled to appear in this newspaper as well as other newspapers throughout the county for two weeks to remind you of this date and acceptable items. Please check with your neighbors to see if they have anything they would like you to bring with you.
If you have any questions concerning Household Hazardous Waste, please feel free to call the Fillmore County Resource Recovery Center at (507) 765-4704.