Household Hazardous Waste Mobile Collection Service in Bedford, Carter and Sevier Counties on April 12

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s mobile household hazardous waste collection service will be in Bedford, Carter and Sevier counties on April 12.

“Our household hazardous waste mobile collection service provides the people of Tennessee with a safe, environmentally friendly way to dispose of unwanted household chemicals and other potentially hazardous waste at no cost,” Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau said. “This service travels across the state holding collection events in local communities, and we encourage all Tennesseans to take advantage of the opportunity to utilize it.”

On Saturday, April 12, any Tennessee resident may bring his or her household hazardous waste to the following locations. (Note that hours listed indicate the local time for events).

• Bedford County – Big Springs Parking Lot at 108 Lane Parkway in Shelbyville from 8 a.m. until noon. The local contact for this HHW collection event is Gay Ervin at (931) 684-5971.

• Carter County – Carter County Recycling Center at 411 Cherokee Park Drive in Elizabethton from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The local contact for this HHW collection event is Benny Lyons at (423) 543-6626.

• Sevier County – Sevierville Municipal Complex at 110 Gary Wade Boulevard in Sevierville from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. The local contact for this HHW collection event is Laura Howard at (865) 774-6677.

Since the program’s inception in 1993, over 310,000 households have properly disposed of more than 20 million pounds of material.  HHW material is considered flammable, toxic, reactive and/or corrosive and should not be placed with regular garbage.

Typical items to dispose of include cleaning fluids, pesticides, mercury thermometers and thermostats, fluorescent bulbs, lithium and button batteries, aerosols, adhesives, medications, brake fluid, swimming pool chemicals and paint thinner.  Items not accepted include ammunition, explosives, alkaline batteries, paint, electronics and medical waste. Business waste from conditionally exempt small quantity generators is now acceptable for a fee and by appointment. To request a price quote and schedule an appointment, please contact 615-643-3180.

Many counties and municipalities meet the needs of local residents by providing collection of batteries, oil, paint, antifreeze and electronic scrap – or BOPAE as it is sometimes called.  When handled correctly, these BOPAE materials are minimally hazardous, but inappropriate for collection at household hazardous waste events.  Contact your local city or county solid waste department to find BOPAE collection sites in your area.

When transporting materials to the site, place containers in sturdy boxes lined with newspaper to prevent spills and cross-contamination in the trunk of a car or back of a truck. Be sure to keep materials away from children and pets.  Materials should be kept in the original container whenever possible.  If not, place the waste in a plastic jug with a secure lid and label its contents.

For more information on the household hazardous waste mobile collection service, please call 1-800-287-9013 or visit http://www.tn.gov/environment/solid-waste/solid-waste_household-waste.shtml.  

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