Permanent HHW Collection Facilities Are Now Open In Buncombe, Madison, and Transylvania Counties!!

North Carolina's Department of Agriculture and Division of Pollution Prevention & Environmental Assistance Contributed $35,000 in Capitalization Funds and Counties Covered the Balance Needed to Get Programs Launched

The Story: In September of 1998, LOSRC and their Household Hazardous Waste Advisory Committee completed the “Household Hazardous Waste Feasibility Study: Options For The Collection, Storage, & Disposal of HHW in Region B”.  This study is available to the public for the cost of publication by contacting the staff.

From findings and conclusions reached in this study, the Household Hazardous Waste Advisory Committee (H2WAC) prepared proposals for the implementation of a permanent collection, processing, storage, and disposal program in each county of Region B.  Buncombe, Madison, and Transylvania Counties adopted the proposal when LOSRC increased program viability by obtaining 2 capitalization aid grants, a $20,000 Pesticide Environmental Trust Fund (PETF) from the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services' Food & Drug Protection Division, and a $15,000 award from NC Division of Pollution Prevention & Environmental Assistance.

Each County's program operates autonomously with regard to materials accepted for disposal, hours of operation, financing methods, and more.   Areas of regional cooperation have occured on training, educational outreach, transportation and disposal contracting, and for purchasing needed equipment and facilities. For detailed information on the program(s), contact the appropriate county solid waste department below or contacting the staff.

Buncombe County Solid Waste-denese.ballew@buncombecounty.org

Madison County - Jim Brown 649-2311

Transylvania County Solid Waste  - Will Sagar  willsagar@citcom.net

 Safe Storage Tips

• Keep substances in the original container
• Periodically check containers for deterioration
• If original container is leaking, enclose it in a larger container that is labeled appropriately
• Be sure label is securely affixed to the container
• Keep in a cool, dry place
• Keep substances out of reach of children and pets
• Keep incompatible chemical products separated
• Keep a list of stored hazardous products that you maintain at home: include the name and the date of purchase.

Public Survey Results

An informal survey was conducted in the Counties of Buncombe, Henderson, and Madison on the subject of HHW and their desires for a HHW program. Results from the survey are believed to be a fairly accurate representation of the public at large. 78 total people were surveyed and results were relatively even in the different participating counties. Some summary points are:. Results from the survey are believed to be a fairly accurate representation of the public at large. 78 total people were surveyed and results were relatively even in the different participating counties. Some summary points are:

• 95% of respondents know what HHW is, demonstrating success in the regional educational effort.

• 78% of respondents are storing HHW or donating it to others, 40% put HHW in the regular trash, 12% are dumping, burning or pouring HHW down the drain.

• 33% of respondents do not know it is illegal to put liquid waste in the landfill.

• If there were a HHW facility, respondents would use it if: it were free = 98%; if it cost $5-$10 = 75%; if it is within ten miles = 68%; if it is in the next county = 24%; it is only open 2 days a year = 30%; it is open once a month = 46%; it is open once a week = 62%;

• 100% of the respondents felt there would be an improvement in the public health and the environment if a HHW collection center were opened in the region.

Safer Alternatives