Putnam Tox-Away Day on tap May 19 at Area 30

Monday, May 14, 2018

Putnam County Tox-Away Day will be conducted Saturday, May 19 at Area 30 Career Center (off Calbert Way, across from Greencastle Walmart).

The annual Tox-Away Day effort is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (rain or shine).

Residents are asked not to arrive prior to 7:45 a.m. as it interferes with event set-up and creates traffic congestion. The event is organized to get people in and out as quickly and safely as possible, but lines should be anticipated.

Last year, 120 tons of toxic/hazardous materials were safely removed from the three West Central Solid Waste District counties. These items, if disposed of improperly, are dangerous to the health of humans, animals and the environment.

Skilled personnel will unload items in a safe, drive-through environment. Small or mixed items should always be in a visible box/crate and not a dark bag or container which can be a safety hazard. Businesses are prohibited from using Tox-Away Day to dispose of items.

Electronics such as computers, cell phones, gaming consoles, etc. cannot be thrown in the trash or landfill. Electronics and appliances can be brought to Tox-Away Day events free of charge (an exception is a $20 fee for any size TV).

Tox-Away Days are a perfect opportunity to dispose of tires that can collect water and turn into mosquito breeding grounds (limits do apply).

New for 2018, farmers can bring “whole” tractor tires over 54 inches for $25 each (a $65 per tire savings paid for by the district). “Quartered” tractor tires are free for the first two, then $5 each additional (limit four, whole, quartered or combined).

It also is a great time to rid barns of old pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers and other hazardous items in containers of five gallons or less.

Residents are asked not to bring latex paint as it is water-based and not hazardous. Latex paint should be dried out by mixing with equal parts of cheap kitty litter or sand and set out with your trash with the lid removed so the hauler can see it is solidified.

For a complete list and printable flyer, go to www.westcentralswd.com and click Tox-Away “details” in the Upcoming Events section or watch for ads in the Banner Graphic.

District residents of Putnam, Parke and Montgomery counties who are unable to attend the May event are welcome to attend the Tox-Away Day(s) on June 23 at North Montgomery High School, north of Crawfordsville, or Sept. 15 at the Parke County 4-H Fairgrounds, Rockville.

Persons may call the West Central Solid Waste District with any questions at 653-2150.

WCSWD Executive Director Jane Collisi said special thanks should go to co-sponsor Heritage Environmental Services.

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