Free household hazardous waste collection events in Deschutes County this April
DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Deschutes County Solid Waste will host three free household hazardous waste collection events in Redmond, Sisters, and La Pine this April. The one-day events are designed to help rural residents dispose of toxic materials safely and reduce the number of trips required to the county landfill.
While the Knott Landfill in Bend accepts hazardous waste weekly, many rural transfer stations are not currently equipped to handle such materials. Greg Brady, the Deschutes County hazardous waste supervisor, said the initiative is intended to protect local resources from contamination.
"Improper disposal of household hazardous waste can harm the environment and community health by allowing toxic chemicals to leak into the soil and groundwater," Brady said. "We hope that by offering these free, one-day events we can reduce the amount of hazardous waste going into the county landfill."
The schedule for the collection events begins in Redmond at the Negus Transfer Station, located at 2400 NE Maple Ave. This first event is scheduled for Saturday, April 4th.
The following week, on Saturday, April 11thh, the county will host a collection at the Sisters Recycling Center at 328 Sisters Park Drive.
The final event will take place on Saturday, April 18th, in the South County Services Center parking lot at 51340 U.S. 97 in La Pine.
All three events will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Residents may bring a variety of common household chemicals to these sites. Accepted materials include oil and latex paints, stains, thinners, solvents, and various fuels. Garden products such as herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers will also be taken, along with pool and spa chemicals. The events will also accept oil-soaked rags, aerosols, mercury-containing thermometers, and rechargeable batteries.
Certain automotive and household items are also eligible for free disposal. Staff will accept vehicle fluids including coolants, lubricants and brake, transmission and fuel fluids. Small propane tanks, such as those used for barbecue grills or camp stoves, are allowed, as are fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent bulbs.
Some materials are strictly prohibited from the one-day collection sites. These include business-generated hazardous waste, medical waste, and explosives such as fireworks or ammunition. Organizers will not accept compressed gas cylinders, other than the specified propane tanks and no containers larger than five gallons will be allowed.
For those who cannot attend the April events, the county offers year-round hazardous waste disposal in Bend. The Knott Landfill household hazardous waste facility, located at 61050 SE 27th St., accepts these materials every Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at no charge. Residents can also find more information through the Inside Deschutes County Podcast or by calling the Department of Solid Waste at 541-317-3163.
