Household hazardous waste collection day set for Aug. 16  

– Contributed graphic

HART — Now is the time to clean out your basement, garage, or barn and look for old, unusable, or mystery  products that require safe disposal. The annual Oceana County Household Hazardous Waste  collection day is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hart Department of Public Works, 1010 State St.

Items accepted for disposal:  

• Motor oil, gasoline, and other automotive fluids  
• Household cleaners  
• Alcohols, aerosols, dyes  
• Herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers  
• Oil-based paints  
• Electronics (TVs, computers, DVD players, radios, phones, printers)  
• Small appliances (microwaves, window AC units, dehumidifiers, small refrigerators) 
• Batteries (household, automotive, and power tool batteries)  
• Pharmaceuticals (expired or unused medications, sharps in puncture-proof container, and  inhalers)  
• Vaping devices  

These items are considered hazardous because they could cause contamination to our environment,  particularly our drinking and surface water, if dumped or leaked. They also typically aren’t accepted  through regular trash services. By bringing these items to the hazardous waste event, these products are reused,  recycled, or safely disposed of by certified contractors, ensuring they stay out of our local soil, forest  and water resources.  

Residents can expect to be greeted upon entering and directed to the appropriate drop-off station  based on the type of materials they have. Residents are asked to remain in their vehicles while  volunteers unload their items to help keep traffic moving efficiently. The event will close promptly at  1 p.m., and late drop-offs will not be accepted. The first hour tends to be the busiest, so those  planning to arrive early should anticipate a short wait.  

Items not accepted:  

• Tires  
• Styrofoam 
• Ammunition  
• Household trash  
• Fiberglass  
• Latex and acrylic paints  

Important note on paint disposal:  

Only oil-based paints will be accepted, so individuals are encouraged to take a closer look at the paint  they wish to dispose of. Latex and acrylic paints are water-based paints and are not considered  hazardous once dried. A drying agent such as cat litter or sawdust can be added to latex or acrylic paint  cans, or simply leave the lid off and let it dry out naturally. Once fully dry, the cans can be thrown in  regular trash bins.  

Tips for identifying oil-based vs. water-based paints:  

• Oil-based paint typically has a more potent odor than water-based paint.  
• Check the label and see if it says cleanup requires “mineral spirits” or look for the word “alkyd” —  this is an oil-based paint. If the label says cleanup requires only soap and water, this is a water based paint.  
• Rubbing alcohol will remove dried water-based paint, but not oil-based paint. If there are any dry  patches on the sides of the can, apply some alcohol to a rag or cotton ball and see if any  residue comes off.  

Residents intending to bring a large load of 200 pounds or more are required to call the Oceana County Conservation District in advance. This allows staff to adequately manage and prepare for what will be coming in so that as much material as possible can be collected and individuals aren’t turned away. Call the conservation district at 231-861-5600 to discuss details if you wish to bring 200 pounds or more.  

This event is open to Oceana County residents only, although Mason and Manistee counties also hold  their collection on the same day. The annual event is coordinated by a three-county committee  composed of conservation district staff and community members within Manistee, Mason, and Oceana  counties. The three-county committee is responsible for the planning, coordination, execution, and  funding of the event. Financial contributions from counties, townships and villages, and donations on the day of the event help keep this valuable service running. The committee asks for a suggested minimum donation of  $15 per load to help support this year’s event.  

For questions or additional information, contact the Oceana Conservation District at 231-861-5600 or  visit https://www.oceanaconservation.org/household-hazardous-waste/. 

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