Make a clean sweep this spring of hazardous waste, medications, electronics

Douglas County again sponsors the Northwest Cleansweep for the collection of hazardous waste.

The program is open to all residents of Douglas County including small businesses.

This year the collection will include the collection of old and unused medications — prescription and nonprescription. Medications not disposed of properly can be a problem in a number of ways. First, when flushed they end up in our waters because modern water treatment processes cannot remove them from the water. Second, it is becoming increasingly common for young people to raid the medicine cabinets of friends and family to use or share with friends. They don’t recognize the danger of taking prescriptions that are not prescribed for them and often end up hospitalized.

In addition, we are offering an electronics collection at the Fairgrounds event on June 30, and appliances and tires at Brule, Lake Nebagamon and Solon Springs. This is a great time to clean up those old items sitting around your home.

The Northwest Cleansweep is sponsored by 10 northwestern counties and operates as a not for profit, and they offer the service free to households and for a reasonable fee for businesses. Small businesses are strongly encouraged to participate in this event. It is often difficult for businesses to find a source for safe disposal of hazardous products because many options open to households are not available to businesses.

The scheduled events in Douglas County are: 11:30-1 p.m. June 27 Maple, County Highway Garage at F and FF; 3-4:30 p.m. June 27 Solon Springs Transfer Facility; Douglas County Fairgrounds in Superior 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 30;

The collection will accept materials, which exhibit hazardous characteristics like solvents, oil-based paints, pesticides, herbicides, asbestos items, corrosive materials, poison, non-empty aerosol cans with hazardous waste in them, fluorescent tubes, HID bulbs and button batteries.

Items that are not accepted are latex paints, explosives, radioactive materials, medical waste, pressurized containers, tires, waste oil, oil filters or automotive batteries.

Agricultural waste from farms or abandoned farms can be accepted under a grant at no cost. Small businesses and agricultural users will need to pre-register with Bill Welter at Northwest Regional Planning, (715) 635-2197.

If you have questions, call Mary Klun at the Douglas County Recycling Office, (715) 395-1293.

Tags: douglas county, news, environment, health