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Good Evening. Today is Friday, July 25, 2008 | Log In
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Household Hazardous Waste
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![photo courtesy of Emmet D.P.W. [Click here to view full size picture]](media/govern/tn_cleaners_1.jpg)
It only takes a small amount of some common household chemicals to pollute a large amount of soil, air, and water.
Household Hazardous Waste (HHHW) Drop-off Days were established to:
- Provide Charlevoix County residents an opportunity to properly dispose of HHHW by developing a program to offer this service
- Reduce the amount of hazardous materials stored in homes in Charlevoix County
- Increase awareness of the dangers associated with improper disposal of HHHW and the availability of safer alternatives
HHHW Drop-off Days are intended to collect residential household hazardous waste. Businesses are encouraged to contact a HHHW hauler to come directly to them.
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What is HHHW?
1st Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day
2nd Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day
3rd Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day
HHHW Collection Results
Recycling Electronics
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What is HHHW?
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Basically, anything that says "poison" or "hazardous" should be disposed of in a responsible manner. This includes prescription medication which shouldn't be flushed down the toilet! A list of common HHHW is provided below for your reference.
There are 3 things we WILL NOT TAKE:
- No modern latex paints
. Disposing of hazardous waste is extremely expensive. Latex paint is less toxic than other paints and can safely be disposed of through a cheaper, simpler means: adding kitty litter to it, letting it dry out, then landfilling it with your regular trash. However, latex paints over twenty years old may contain lead. These will be accepted as hazardous waste. Also, if the label says a latex paint is mildew resistant or preservative, it should be handled as hazardous waste because it contains pesticides. Print the handout below for latex paint disposal directions.
No explosives or ammunition. Call the State Police at 231-347-8101 if you have explosives or ammunition to dispose of.
No radioactive materials. Radioactive materials are found in small quantities in some brands of items (smoke detectors, clocks, lantern wicks, dishes). At present there is no proper method for disposing of radioactive materials. You may be able to return these items to the manufacturer. If that isn't possible, please store them safely until a proper disposal method becomes available.
If you haven't participated in a collection yet, here's how it works:
1. The date of the collection is announced in the newspapers and on this website. You can print a flyer from this site. See documents below.
2. You will be asked to call 582-6193 to schedule a drop off time.
3. You will be asked a few questions regarding the type and amount of materials you will be bringing in. This is done to help judge the expected volume. You will be informed of the designated drop off location.
4. When you arrive at the given location at your scheduled drop off time, you will be asked a few survey questions. Information collected during the survey helps the Recycling Committee better direct program acitivites.
5. You will then be asked to drive through the building, stopping so your HHHW materials can be unloaded, then right out through the other end.
YOU DON'T EVEN HAVE TO GET OUT OF YOUR CAR!
Documents/Forms:
Latex paint disposal
Disposing of Household Chemicals
Current flyer
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1st Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day
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The very 1st Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day was held on September 14, 2002 at the Road Commission Garage in Boyne City.
Many thanks to the Road Commission for their wonderful cooperation.
This also happened to be my first experience working on the Recycling Program. After volunteering that day, I was asked to join the Committee!!!
What a tremendous group of people to work with, and what a wonderful feeling to be involved in such an important activity. Several people THANKED US for holding this collection. It always gives me a good feeling to help people out and protect the environment.
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2nd Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day
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The 2nd HHHW Collection took place on June 7, 2003 at the Charlevoix County Road Commission's garage in Ironton. Once again, many thanks go out to the Road Commission for their wonderful cooperation.
This HHHW collection was the first to include electronics.
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3rd Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day
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For the 3rd HHHW collection October 4, 2003, we were back in Boyne City at the Road Commission Gargage. The successfullness of these collections is due in part to the outstanding facilities made available for us to use. Thanks again Charlevoix County Road Commission!
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HHHW Collection Results
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From the first HHHW Collection held in September 2002 through the last collection held in September 2006, a total of 195,978 pounds of household hazardous waste has been collected. To see a breakdown by material, please refer to the document below.
Documents/Forms:
HHHW collection results
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Recycling Electronics
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A study done by the National Safety Council found that three-quarters of all computers purchased in the United States are sitting in storerooms, attics, garages and basements. Odds are, you have an old monitor or obsolete computer lying around somewhere at your home or office. RECYCLE IT!
Computers and related electronic equipment contain substances such as glass, plastics and certain chemical compounds that are highly recoverable, recyclable and reusable. By recycling your old equipment in a responsible manner, you can prevent the release of harmful substances into the environment and help maximize the use of our natural resources. When released into a landfill, these chemicals and substances can harm public health and the environment. So, when your old technology is no longer useful to you, we urge you to help protect our environment by ensuring it is reused or recycled.
Electronics are collected during the HHHW Days, however there are other avenues to pursue as well. I recently came across an advertisement from Dell stating, "Enjoy the rewards of recycling." You can recycle your old PC free when you purchase a new Dell PC, and even if you're not buying a new Dell, you can recycle up to three items with Dell for $10 each. Go online to dell.com/recycling for details.
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This page last updated on 5/19/2008.
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