Shiawassee County Health Department (SCHD) has entered into a partnership with Shiawassee Community Development, City of Owosso, Shiawassee Conservation District, Michigan State University Extension Service, Venice Park Recycling and various townships to develop a household hazardous waste collection program for Shiawassee County residents.
 

Grant money was received from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to pay for the construction of a permanent facility, disposal costs, and operation costs for 2 years. Thereafter the program will be self-sustained for at least an additional 8 years through countywide support.

What is Household Hazardous Waste?

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) is any household item that contains TOXIC, FLAMMABLE, CORROSIVE, or REACTIVE material.  Shiawassee County's population has the potential to produce over 500,000 pounds of unregulated household hazardous waste annually. Most of our HHW is stored in our homes, dumped in our backyards, and poured into our septic systems. On occasion HHW finds its way into our drains and rivers. This program will serve to protect our environment and our community from these harmful materials.  So far in Shiawassee County, HHW collections have taken in 88,300 lbs of hazardous waste that has been recycled, reused or processed in an environmentally friendly manner.

The next collection will be held on Saturday August 22^nd 2009 between 8:00 am - until collection is full.

The location of the collection will be just north of VG 's Grocery Store on Chippewa Trail near the Owosso Waste Water Treatment Plant.

Any Shiawassee County resident can participate at NO COST! 
Proof of residency such as a driver's license will be required.

An inventory or description of items being dropped off is required when scheduling an appointment. The following materials will be accepted:

·         Oil-based paints and varnishes

·         Wood preservatives

·         Cleaning solvents

·         Pesticides and weed killers

·         Household batteries

·         Oven cleaners

·         Mothballs

·         Transmission fluid and antifreeze

·         Pressurized cans

·         Metallic mercury (thermometers and fluorescent bulbs)

·         Lead (found in shot and sinkers)

Household materials will be accepted but not materials used for commercial purposes at industrial establishments, including schools, farms, and businesses.  The following materials will NOT be accepted:

·        Latex paint

·        Used motor oil

·        Automobile batteries

·        Explosives

·        Tires

·        Smoke detectors

·        Recyclables normally accepted at local recycling drop-off centers

·        Electronics (computers, monitors, TVs, stereo equipment, etc.)

Please put closed containers in boxes and place them in the trunk of your car.  Do not mix materials.  Do not carry boxes or containers in your lap.  Staff will remove the material from your trunk when you arrive at the facility. You will not even need to leave your car.  Licensed haulers will be contracted to transport the material to be recycled, reused, or disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

For more information call the Shiawassee County Health Department at
989-743-2390.