Household Hazardous Waste Program keeps growing
Staff and volunteers from the Stark-Tuscarawas-Wayne Recycling District and the Wayne County Public Health Department unload household hazardous waste from the back of a car.
Dan Starcher
Everyday household items such as old paint, pesticides, motor oil and cleaning products may seem harmless, but they pose risks when improperly stored or disposed of.
Recognizing these dangers, the Stark-Tuscarawas-Wayne Recycling District, in collaboration with the Wayne County Public Health Department, offers a Household Hazardous Waste Program each year at the Wayne County Fairgrounds to ensure safe and responsible disposal of these materials.
According to Steve Tharp, assistant executive director of the Stark-Tuscarawas-Wayne Recycling District, the program has experienced an increase in participants.
“We filled all 240 appointments prior to today’s event, so we opened up more and had 322 people bring in their hazardous waste,” Tharp said during a recent collection event. “There is definitely an increase in demand for this service.”
According to Tharp, most HHW items will be incinerated, with some being repurposed.
“We really want to keep these chemicals out of the landfills,” he said. “Many of these products are petroleum-based and can be reused, such as oil. What cannot be repurposed can be safely incinerated.”
HHW collection event dates vary. Residents can visit www.timetorecycle.org for the latest information and to schedule waste drop-off appointments.
“Wayne County residents are encouraged to schedule appointments at our Stark County location anytime,” Tharp said. “We know there is a demand, and we are happy to meet people where they are or welcome them to visit our Stark County location all year long at 742 Schroyer Ave. SW, Canton.”
Dan Starcher is the public communications coordinator for Wayne County.
