Platte County, MO Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program
Type: Program
Status: Announced on 1/24/08
Source File: http://www.co.platte.mo.us/planningandzoning/012408_NewsRelease.pdf
Description:
Platte County Joins Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program
Residents of unincorporated Platte County can now safely dispose of their household hazardous waste thanks to the county’s recent decision to join the Regional Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Program coordinated by the Mid-America Regional Council Solid Waste Management District. In addition to unincorporated areas of the county, residents of towns with populations less than 500 areas are included in the program. These towns are Platte Woods, Farley, Northmoor, Houston Lake, Iatan and Ridgely. As members, residents can safely dispose of their HHW at any of the 13 mobile events offered April through October or at either of the two permanent facilities located in Kansas City and Lee’s Summit. The 2008 mobile event schedule will be finalized in February.
With over 72,000 hazardous products on the market targeted toward residential users, nearly every home contains items that can harm human health or the environment if improperly handled. Examples include paint, cleaners, gasoline, drain cleaners, chlorine bleach, automotive products, and lawn and garden products. The proper disposal of unwanted household hazardous waste protects water quality, reduces fire hazards, and increases the public health and safety of the community.
“We are pleased to have Platte County in the program,” said Program Coordinator Nadja Karpilow. “Education is our priority now — we need to make sure residents are aware of the services.” Paint is the most common material brought to the mobile collection events and permanent facilities. “Sometimes we see stuff that has been stored for over 30 years. People are thrilled — and relieved — to get rid of this material safely,” said Karpilow.
Platte County, Timber Creek Sewer Company, Platte County Regional Sewer District and Platte County Water Supply District #4 will all contribute toward the annual membership fee, based on population, of nearly $20,000. By joining the program the county is committed to improving services for residents and to protecting the environment. “Hazardous waste and water quality are intricately related. By keeping chemicals out of the waste stream we do a better job of protecting our water sources,” said Ginny Moore, watershed manager for the Mid- America Regional Council.
Mobile events are well attended because they provide residents a convenient way to properly dispose of HHW. However, if event times and locations are not convenient, residents can take advantage of the permanent facilities located in Kansas City and Lee’s Summit. To drop off HHW at the Kansas City facility call 816-784-2080. This center is open year round and located just south of the Chouteau Bridge. The Lee’s Summit number is 816-969- 1805 and the center is open April through November on the first Saturday of each month, with some exceptions for the holidays. An appointment is required at both facilities.
For a program brochure or for more information, please contact Program Coordinator Nadja Karpilow at [email protected] or (816) 701-8226. Information is also available online at http://www.recyclespot.org.