Webs’ Random Ideas

Illinois apparently has a program for hazardous waste recycling and removal. It was pretty interesting, they didn’t waste any time and basically had a well thought out and planned event.

Being that I’m a state employee, I’m used to the state wasting my time and money. But not this. You pull up with your car and the first person you meet greets you and sends you to one of two lines. Here you meet a person that asks you how you heard of the event. He then sends you to 1 of three lines and tells you to stay in your car the whole time.

From here there is anywhere from 1 to 4 people that actually help you. They tell you to stay in your car and grab the hazardous materials from your car for you. You just sit back and let them work. From here you can get rid of electronics if you got any (which I mostly did), otherwise you’re done.

I have to admit I was stunned and very happy at the whole process. Nothing out of the ordinary to report. Which sometimes, depending on what you were doing, is nice.

For those of you that live in central IL, From an e-mail…

Household Hazardous Waste Collection October 6, 2007

In response to a growing concern over the safe disposal of household hazardous waste, the Ecology Action Center, the University of Illinois Extension and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency will cosponsor a free collection event on Saturday, October 6 from 8 a.m. to
3 p.m. at the Interstate Center in Bloomington. The event will be open to all residents.

Household hazardous products are widely used, and in many cases, the improper use, storage, and/or disposal of hazardous waste can cause a health threat to one’s family and to the environment. The following common household products will be accepted at the collection event:
oil-based paint, paint thinner, herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, unwanted medications, old gasoline, pool chemicals, cleaning products, mercury, household batteries, used motor oil, drain cleaners, lawn chemicals, hobby chemicals, antifreeze, solvents, lead acid batteries, fire extinguishers, aerosol products, and fluorescent bulbs.

As an alternative to storing or improperly disposing of the unwanted chemicals, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency strongly suggests that people take advantage of this collection project. On the collection day, participants should bring their waste to the Interstate Center where trained technicians will unload the waste from each vehicle. Participants must remain in their vehicles during the unloading process for safety and to help decrease the time spent waiting in line.

Electronics recycling will also be offered this year at the same location. Recycling for Illinois of Peoria will collect computers, monitors, computer components, televisions, copiers, phone systems, all types of radios, VCRs, DVD players, microwaves, cameras, blenders, and other small appliances and household electrical items. All donations are tax deductible. Items that are damaged or not working will be accepted.

For more information, or with questions about a particular item, you may contact The Ecology Action Center at 309/454-3169 or visit their website at www.ecologyactioncenter.org. You may also contact the University of Illinois Extension at 309/663-8306 or visit their website at www.mcleanextension.org.

No business, industrial, agricultural or school waste will be accepted with hazardous waste.