Tox-Away Day event slated May 11 at Area 30

The first Tox-Away Day of 2019 is scheduled for Saturday, May 11 at Area 30 Career Center off State Road 240 in Greencastle (across from the Walmart store).

The event is scheduled for 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., rain or shine.

Organizers ask that there be no arrivals before 7:45 a.m. as it causes traffic congestion and interferes with event set-up.

There will be no reason to leave your car as skilled personnel will unload your items in a safe, drive-through environment. Small or mixed items should be visible in a box or container to allow for easy identification and safe handling.

Tox-Away events in the west-central Indiana area are sponsored by West Central Solid Waste District (WCSWD) which includes Putnam, Parke and Montgomery counties. Last year 138 tons of toxic/hazardous waste materials were safely removed from these counties and kept out of local landfills.

“This is a great time to rid barns of old pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers and other hazardous items in containers up to five-gallon size -- no drums, please. These items, if disposed of improperly, are dangerous to the health of humans, animals, and the environment,” WCSWD Executive Director Jane Collisi said.

Electronics such as computers, cell phones, and game consoles cannot go into the trash or landfill. Persons should bring their electronics and appliances to these special events free of charge (an exception: $20 fee for any size TV).

Tox-Away Days are opportunities to dispose of old tires that can collect water and become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Car/light truck tires are accepted free for the first six tires with a $2 fee for each additional up to 12. Residents can bring tractor tires over 54 inches for $25 each -- a savings of $65 per tire paid for by WCSWD.

“Quartered” tractor tires are free for the first two, then $5 each additional. Limits may apply, so check ad for details.

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. Once dried, set it out with your trash with the lid removed so the hauler can see it’s solidified.

Watch this newspaper for the Tox-Away ad with a complete list of acceptable items or go to www.westcentralswd.com and click Tox-Away “details” in the Upcoming Events section.

District residents are welcome at all three Tox-Away events, including those scheduled June 8 at North Montgomery High School near Crawfordsville and Sept. 14 at Parke County 4-H Fairgrounds in Rockville.

Regulations limit Tox-Away Day to residents only and prohibit the collection of hazardous wastes from businesses, churches, schools and non-profits at these events.

Persons may call the West Central Solid Waste District office with any questions at 1-800-211-2750.