Wayne County hazardous waste collection event keeps growing

The comforts of home can be deceiving; behind the familiar walls and welcoming decor lurk hidden dangers such as toxic substances that can wreak havoc on the health of those living there and the environment.

Everyday household items such as cleaners, paint and fertilizer may not seem like a threat when used, but when discarded, they can become a toxic nightmare. It’s essential to recognize the risks associated with these everyday products and take proactive steps to dispose of them responsibly. That’s where household hazardous waste collection events come in — a service that helps protect the environment and keeps communities safe from the dangers of toxic waste.

At the Wayne County Fairgrounds recently, Stark-Tuscarawas-Wayne Recycling District Assistant Executive Director Steve Tharp Jr. was impressed more than 171 residents came through the line to participate in the event.

For Tharp, the bottom line is the collected chemicals won’t be disposed of in a landfill.

“By diverting these materials, we can ensure that the landfill is better utilized and ensures sufficient landfill space for many years to come,” Tharp said. “Our No. 1 goal is landfill diversion. Improperly handled chemicals, when mixed, can have serious consequences such as explosions or fires. Some may emit harmful vapors.”

Environmental Health Department Director Vaughn Anderson and his staff work to ensure the event is operated efficiently. Residents drive up and present their identification cards, and staff members unload the hazardous materials from their vehicles. The items are then categorized and packaged for transportation to specialized facilities for proper disposal, recycling or treatment. By hosting these events, communities can significantly reduce the risk of environmental contamination, protect public health and promote a cleaner future.

“This is a no-cost, value-added service that we can provide residents,” Anderson said. “At the previous event, we collected more than 2 tons of waste and prevented it from entering a landfill. We had more appointments for this event, so we expect to collect even more.”

To learn more and see upcoming recycling events, visit www.timetorecycle.org.

Dan Starcher is the public communications coordinator for Wayne County.