Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day set for Saturday

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 Oceana County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hart Department of Public Works, 1010 State St.

This event is only held once a year.

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 and printers)
• Small appliances (microwaves, window air conditioning units, dehumidifiers and 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,” states a press release from the Oceana Conservation District. “They also typically aren’t accepted through regular trash services. By bringing these items to the HHW 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 include:

• 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 plan to 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 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 Oceana 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, and Mason and Manistee counties 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,” states the press release. “Financial contributions from counties, townships and villages, and donations day-of help keep this valuable service running. The committee asks for a suggested minimum donation of $20 per load to help support this year’s event.”

For additional information, visit www.oceanaconservation.org/household-hazardous-waste

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