By Drew Hatzenbihler
Solid Waste Administrator
It’s that time of year again; the snow is melting, the sun is shining (for the most part), and the days are getting longer. That’s right! It’s time for Household Hazardous Waste Day in Fillmore County! This year’s collection event is Tuesday, May 1 from 12-5 p.m. With that day quickly approaching, I thought it would be timely to share some tips for the first timers and the seasoned veterans who bring in hazardous waste every year.
• Tip 1: Check the local paper a week before the event for a full list of what can be accepted.
Here are some of the most common items we accept: latex and oil based paints, household cleaners, household pesticides and insecticides, mercury thermometers and thermostats, stains, varnishes, and wood preservatives. We also accept aerosol cans with material left in them, while empty aerosol cans can be disposed of in your recycling all year round.
• Tip 2: Household Hazardous Waste Day is ALWAYS busy, be prepared to wait in line.
Check that what you have to drop off will be accepted ahead of time. This will speed up the process for everyone. As a reminder, we accept antifreeze and motor oil free of charge year-round and collect light bulbs, oil filters, and light ballasts for a fee year-round.
• Tip 3: Put all of your Household Hazardous Waste in containers that you’re ready to part with.
We recommend cardboard boxes because we can recycle the boxes afterwards. Unloading individual items from vehicles is a slow process, so put your assortment of items in a box. If you plan to drop off other materials at the recycling or transfer station (i.e. landfill materials, motor oil, antifreeze, light bulbs and electronics) please make sure these items are separate from your household hazardous waste.
• Tip 4: Get together with neighbors, family, and friends!
Since we don’t charge a fee for household hazardous waste disposal, everyone can save time and space by bringing multiple households’ worth of waste in one vehicle.
We work hard to ensure that county residents have a positive Household Hazard Waste drop off experience. It will be an easy, stress-free, and (maybe) quick experience if you follow our four pro-tips above!
If you have any specific questions about what can and cannot be accepted during this event or throughout the year, please give the Resource Recovery Center a call at (507) 765-4704.