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NASHVILLE – Tennesseans are encouraged to participate in the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s (TDEC) mobile household hazardous waste collection service event, slated for Saturday, October 21, in Carter County. The initiative aims to provide residents with a safe and environmentally responsible way to dispose of household hazardous waste materials, including cleaning fluids, pesticides, swimming pool chemicals, and more.

The designated drop-off location for this event is the Carter County Recycling Center, located at 410 Cherokee Park Dr., Elizabethton. Residents are invited to participate between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. To inquire or receive further information, you may contact Chris Schuettler at (423) 543-6626.

TDEC Commissioner David Salyers expressed the department’s commitment to making proper waste disposal convenient for Tennesseans. He noted, “We want to make it as convenient as possible for Tennesseans to demonstrate their commitment to protecting the environment.”

The household hazardous waste collection service began in 1993, and since its inception, it has successfully aided over 370,000 households in properly disposing of more than 24 million pounds of hazardous materials through over 1,450 one-day collection events. Household hazardous waste materials, categorized as flammable, toxic, reactive, or corrosive, should never be disposed of with regular garbage. Materials suitable for this event include cleaning fluids, pesticides, mercury thermometers and thermostats, fluorescent lamps, lithium and button batteries, aerosols, adhesives, medications, brake fluid, swimming pool chemicals, paint thinner, and used needles in sturdy containers.

However, some items are not accepted at this collection event, such as ammunition, explosives, alkaline batteries, paint, electronics, and empty containers that can be disposed of with regular trash. The service is free of charge and does not require an appointment.

While household waste may be disposed of at no cost, there is a fee associated with disposing of Very Small Quantity Generator Waste, typically originating from non-household sources like businesses, schools, farms, and churches. Appointments are necessary for this service, and individuals can obtain a price quote and schedule an appointment by calling (615) 643-3170.

Many counties and municipalities have established separate collection sites for batteries, oil, paint, antifreeze, and electronic scrap, commonly referred to as BOPAE materials. Tennesseans are encouraged to contact their local city or county solid waste department to find BOPAE collection sites in their area.

For those planning to transport materials to the collection site, it’s recommended to place containers in sturdy boxes lined with newspaper or plastic to prevent spills and cross-contamination. Caution is advised to keep materials safely away from children and pets.

For additional information on the mobile household hazardous waste collection service, individuals can call 800-287-9013 or visit the TDEC website for more details.