HHW mobile collection events safely dispose of harmful waste

Jul 25, 2019
| Posted in
Environment
Household hazardous waste being properly disposed at a collection event

Safely disposing of household hazardous waste keeps our community safe and healthy.

Danger. Warning. Caution.

Flammable, toxic, corrosive or reactive items in your home with those words on the label are hazardous waste. This type of waste can be harmful to your health and the environment if they are not properly used and managed.

Household hazardous waste (HHW) such as paint, cleaners, lawn and garden products, automotive fluids, bug sprays, fluorescent lights, and other chemical products should never be thrown in the trash or down the drain. They can end up in the local water supply where they endanger both people and wildlife.

About 50 percent of HHW disposed of in the Kansas City metro area is latex paint. 

The MARC Solid Waste Management District partners with communities in the Regional Household Hazardous Waste Program to hold mobile collection events in the Kansas City region every year from April to October. Residents who live in communities that participate in the Regional Household Hazardous Waste Program can safely dispose of hazardous waste from their homes at these events at no charge. Last year the program collected 145 tons of hazardous waste.

Examples of household hazardous waste

Residents of participating communities may also bring HHW to one of two permanent collection facilities in Lee’s Summit and Kansas City, Missouri, at no charge. The program accepts residential waste only. Waste is not accepted from businesses — including home-based businesses, nonprofits, churches and rental properties. Proof of residency is required.

Kansas residents who live in Johnson, Leavenworth, Miami or Wyandotte counties can take their HHW at no cost to the facility located in their county.

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