County holds amnesty day for hazardous waste

THOMAS HOWARD |, The Meridian Star, Miss.
·2 min read

Apr. 24—Lauderdale County residents will have an opportunity to dispose of hazardous waste Saturday as the county hosts its household hazardous waste amnesty day.

Set for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lauderdale County Agri-Center, amnesty day is a chance for residents to dispose of materials that cannot be put out with normal household garbage, said Solid Waste Enforcement Officer Daniel Mabry.

"The day is designed for Lauderdale County residents to bring things you can't take to a landfill," he said. "That's what it's designed for."

Accepted items include:

-Pesticides/insecticides

-Solvents

-Fertilizers

-Fluorescent bulbs

-Used motor oil

-Paint and paint thinners

-Antifreeze and brake fluid

-Batteries

-Appliances

-Computers, televisions and cell phones

-Tires (up to five per household)

-Gasoline

-Plastic

-Cardboard

There is no fee to participate in amnesty day. Mabry said residents will drive up to the Agri-Center, located at 1022 Highway 19 S., where containers for different types of hazardous waste will be stationed. Workers will also be on hand to make sure waste gets to its proper bin and help residents unload.

Amnesty day is one of several tools the county has at its disposal to help cut down on illegal dumping by giving residents quick and convenient ways to dispose of their household waste, Mabry said. In addition to their regular garbage pickup, county residents also have access to roll-off dumpsters located at each of the county's five satellite locations. Those dumpsters, which are also free to use, are available for white goods such as furniture, he said.

The previous amnesty day, held in September, saw huge participation from the community, and the county is preparing for similar numbers at Saturday's event. Mabry said his goal is to hold amnesty days twice a year to make sure as many residents as possible have an opportunity to participate.

"I'm going to try to do one in the spring and in the fall," he said.

Contact Thomas Howard at thoward@themeridianstar.com