The Division of Waste Management has approved several one-day collection events for household hazardous waste in counties affected by Hurricane Florence.
“Household hazardous waste contains chemicals, so it cannot be put in trash bins or curbside unless your local government directs you to do so,” said Division Director Michael Scott. “Materials like paint, glue, household cleaners, fertilizers and pesticides can pose a threat to public health and the environment if not disposed of properly. They need to be brought to a household hazardous waste collection center for disposal.”
Many counties have permanent collection centers; however, following a storm with the magnitude of Hurricane Florence, counties open temporary collection centers to collect these materials. A complete list can be found online at: https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/waste-management/hhw.
In addition to temporary, one-day collection events, the Division of Waste Management has approved a Raleigh-based company to set up a six-month sorting site in Duplin County. The company, Clean Harbors, will contact municipalities, local governments and residents to collect household hazardous waste items in Duplin and surrounding counties. It will then be sorted at the approved site before being shipped offsite for proper disposal.
To properly dispose of household hazardous waste, residents should:
- Read product labels for disposal directions.
- Do not pour contents of bottles down kitchen sinks or onto the ground.
- Never mix products. Incompatible products might react, ignite or explode, and contaminated household hazardous waste might become unrecyclable.
- Prior to disposal, pack these materials upright in a sturdy storage box or leak-proof container with adsorbent material such as kitty litter, sawdust or newspaper.
- Take bottles or bags with cleaners, pesticides or fertilizers as is to a household hazardous waste collection site.
For more information about what is considered household hazardous waste, go to: https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/waste-management/hhw.