Tox-Away Day set for May 9 at GHS

Spring is typically associated with cleaning out your cluttered garage or storage area. Spring cleaning can turn up all kinds of unused lawn chemicals, pesticides, old paints and stains, and maybe a refrigerator or stove that kicked the bucket over the winter.

So how can you get rid of potentially toxic or hazardous items in a safe way? Bring them to a Tox-Away Day.

Putnam County Tox-Away Day will be conducted Saturday, May 9 in the parking lot at Greencastle High School from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (rain or shine).

When residents arrive, they will be routed to appropriate collection stations. The event is organized to get people in and out as quickly and safely as possible, but lines should be anticipated. Residents are asked to remain in their vehicle as skilled personnel unload items.

Meanwhile, the Putnam County Board of Realtors will be hosting a "Community Shred Event" also on Saturday, May 9 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the Greencastle Middle School parking lot. For more information persons may call 720-2091.

Tox-Away Days are annual events sponsored by West Central Solid Waste District that provide Putnam, Montgomery and Parke county residents with the opportunity to safely and inexpensively dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW).

Electronics such as computers, cell phones, DVD players, etc. can no longer be thrown in the trash. Residents can bring all electronics and appliances to these events for free (an exception is $10 fee for TV's).

The district spends nearly $24,000 for each one-day event, so residents are urged take advantage of this opportunity by cleaning out your home and/or garage and bringing in hazardous items. Such materials, if disposed of improperly, can be dangerous to human and animal health and the environment.

West Central Solid Waste District officials urge residents "to please thank your Putnam County board representatives -- Mayor Sue Murray, Councilman Gene Beck and Commissioner Rick Woodall -- for supporting this program."

For a complete list of items accepted and other event dates and locations, check out the district website at www.westcentralswd.com (under "Tox-Away Days") or watch for ads in the Banner Graphic.

Residents can call the district office with specific questions at 800-211-2750.

The program Tox-Away Day is designed for residents only -- businesses will be prohibited.