Most collected in St. Charles Parish since 2008
Paint topped the list in the 75,349 pounds of items collected in this year’s Household Hazardous Materials Collection Day in St. Charles Parish, as well as marked the highest collection since 2008.
More than 27,000 more pounds of materials were collected this year over last year’s collection, said Jan Herrington of Positive Results, calling the 17th annual event a success.
“2015 was the first time we had rain during the event and, at first, we thought it may hinder participation,” said Herrington. “But, based on pounds collected and number of vehicles that dropped off materials, rain was not deemed a deterrent.”
Some 523 vehicles dropped off materials compared to 441 last year.
Latex paint marked the biggest increase with 5,200 more pounds collected this year than last year. Oil-based paints, aerosols and poisons saw an increase from 9,077 pounds in 2014 to 16,088 pounds in 2015. Except for used oil and antifreeze, every category had greater collections in 2015, in pounds, including tires, oil, bulbs, batteries, electronics and scrap metal.
These materials will be recycled or properly disposed of, which prevents them from being put into landfills, Herrington said.
The weather didn’t hurt volunteers either.
Some 71 volunteers at two locations – Luling and LaPlace – helped with collections. Keep Louisiana Beautiful and industry provided handouts about recycling opportunities in St. John the Baptist, St. Charles and St. James parishes available to residents besides this annual event.Twenty-three manufacturers sponsored the event, providing funding and volunteers.
The 75,349 pounds collected included: 87 percent was recycled or recovered; 4,950 pounds in oil and antifreeze; 3,449 pounds in batteries; 10,000 pounds in latex paint; 19,029 pounds in used electronics and 5,780 pounds in scrap metal.
Household Hazardous Materials Collection Day has been held annually since 1998 to provide area households an opportunity to properly dispose or recycle materials inappropriate for curbside pickup. Materials such as solvents, poisons, used oil, electronics and corrosives require special handling to minimize safety and environmental impact.
Also, permanent recycling bins have been placed on East and West banks.
The eight-cubic-yard bins will be available on a daily basis for drop off of residential recyclables, which will be picked up weekly. Some of the more frequently used sites will be picked up twice a week.
Before recycling, make sure to remove all food and liquid from bottles or cans. Rinse them and remove caps. Items do not need to be sorted but should be placed together in a bag or box.
Materials accepted include plastic containers (numbers 1-3 and clear drink bottles), white or colored paper, cardboard (without food residue), paperboard (including cereal boxes), newspapers with inserts, shredded paper in bags, magazines, phone books, junk mail and steel, tin and aluminum cans.Materials not accepted include glass, plastic shopping bags (these may be recycled at local stores), aerosol cans, pots and pans, furniture, toys, Styrofoam, hardback books and paper napkins, cups or plates.
The parish is also seeking feedback on the location of the bins and suggestions on possible additional locations. Residents may call (985) 331-8604 or e-mail publicinfo@stcharlesgov.net for more information.
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