Free hazardous waste collection facility opens Saturday
In partnerships with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and Heritage Environmental, Madison County will increase the number of opportunities residents will have to dispose of their household hazardous waste from twice a year to 24 times per year at most.
“This opportunity is unique to Madison County and is the only collection facility within a five-hour drive in Illinois,” Madison County Chairman Kurt Prenzler said.
Building and Zoning Administrator Chris Doucleff said the problem for most residents is that household hazardous waste can manifest itself in many different everyday items, and unfortunately, many of the items are difficult to dispose of in a manner that’s safe for the environment.
Doucleff added, “as a result, these chemicals and toxic materials end up going into our waste streams and eventually can contaminate the groundwater, natural habitats and waterways.”
Resource Management Coordinator Brandon Banks said the county receives daily calls from residents asking for ways to dispose of their chemicals and hazardous waste, and that the new permanent site will create more opportunities for people to properly dispose of waste.
“We are excited about it,” Banks said. “For years the household hazardous waste collections have been one of Madison County’s most sought after and popular events.”
Doucleff said disposal of items would be 100 percent free of charge and open to all Illinois residents, however, appointments are required by scheduling online or calling.
Funding for the new site comes from "tipping fees", which charges the waste haulers for disposal of items in two county landfills.
To make an appointment online visit https://RecycleResponsibly.as.me/hhwaste, or call 618)296-5237.
Accepted HHW items include oil-based paints, pesticides and herbicides, lawn fertilizers and chemicals, cleaning solvents, paint thinners, hobby chemicals, antifreeze and motor oil, pool chemicals, household batteries, medicines, lead-acid batteries and fluorescent lights.
Non-acceptable items include latex paint, tires, electronics, ammunition, agricultural wastes, explosives, fireworks, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, farm machinery oil, business, commercial or biohazard waste.
Visit www.madisoncountybz.com for more information on HHW or how to dispose of other items such as electronics.
“It’s a win-win for taxpayers,” Prenzler said. “Residents pay nothing out of pocket and receive this new service.”
