Tox-Away Day set for Saturday, May 14

Volunteers unload appliances during a previous Tox-Away Day event.

Courtesy photo

The first Tox-Away Day of 2022 is scheduled for Saturday, May 14 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Area 30 Career Center in Greencastle.

There should be no arrivals before 7:45 a.m. as it can cause traffic congestion and interfere with set-up.

West Central Solid Waste District events are open to residents of Parke and Putnam counties only and will be held rain or shine.

Persons trained in handling hazardous wastes will unload items in a safe, drive-through environment. Residents are reminded to remain in their vehicle at all times. Small or mixed items should be visible in a box or container to allow for easy identification and safe handling.

Tox-Away Days are the perfect opportunity to safely dispose of toxic, hazardous and problem wastes free of charge (some exceptions) such as:

-- Appliances (CFC and non-CFC)

-- Electronics ($20/each for TVs, any size)

-- Tires (car, truck, tractor, other.)

-- Automotive additives (fuel, oil, antifreeze)

-- Oil-based paint, stain, varnish, paint thinner

-- Mercury thermometers, fluorescent tubes/CFLs

-- Pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, poisons

-- Acids, bases, solvents, chemicals/cleaners

-- Medications (non-controlled) and sharps

WCSWD continues to assist farmers with the high disposal costs of whole tractor tires more than 54 inches or by paying $65 of the $90-per-tire contractor fee. Farmers can also quarter these oversized tires and recycle the first two free of charge and pay only $5 each for two additional tractor tires.

Latex paint is not accepted at Tox-Away Days. Latex paint is water based and considered non-hazardous and should be dried out by mixing with equal parts of cheap kitty litter or sand. Once dried, set it out for trash pick-up with the lid removed so the hauler can see it has solidified.

For a list of accepted/non-accepted items plus fees or limits that may apply for certain items, check the Tox-Away newspaper ad or visit www.westcentralswd.com. WCSWD Tox-Away events are for Parke and Putnam county residents only. Regulations prohibit the collection of hazardous wastes from businesses, churches, schools and non- profits at these events.

Persons may call the WCSWD office with any questions at 653-2150.