City opens limited hazardous household waste drop
January 14, 2006
A new regional hazardous waste collection facility has been established at the Joplin Recycling Center. Non-commercial residents from McDonald, Newton, Jasper, Barton and Vernon counties will be able to drop off household hazardous waste, although limited, during regular operational hours. Proper use and/or disposal of hazardous household waste is part of a program mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency's Phase II Storm Water regulations. The service is being offered free of charge and will be funded in part by Region M Solid Waste Management District, the Missouri Dept. of Natural Resources and the City of Joplin Recycling Center.

Use of the collection faciliy is a way to stem the tide of increasing landfill degradation and further contamination of wastewater treatment plants and private septic systems. In addition, sanitation workers and landfill operators will have more protection from hazardous household waste that is improperly discarded, a situation that many residents often fail to consider.

While residents with ID may drop off items such as insecticides, pesticides, fertilizers, and mercury, they may not dispose of asbestos, ammunition, containers with any one item over 30 pounds, explosives, mdeical waste and radioactive material such as smoke detectors. In addition, due to a budgetary decision, fluorescent bulbs and paint will not be accepted. Of coourse, the city reserves the right to accept any and all waste or refuse service to any person or organization.

Policy established for re-use of materials

From an environmental prospective the best method for dealing with household hazardous waste is to use it up for its intended purpose. In order to promote recycling and thereby reduce the cost of proper and safe hazardous waste disposal, the City has established a limited re-use shelf. Although free of charge, these products are offered without guarantee to their safety, usability or effectivenes.

A copy of a transport handout as well as a complete list of acceptable household hazardous waste materials may be obtained from the center.

The Joplin Recycling Center, at 1310 West A St., is located just north of the public works center. Hours of operation for November through March are 3-7 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays and 9 a.m.- 1 p.m., Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. From April through October the hours are 2-6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

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