County residents reduce waste, dispose of hazardous materials

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Vancouver, WA – Nearly 1,000 Clark County residents participated in the first three recycling events where they properly disposed of household hazardous waste and recycled used electronics and other household items.

The events, in Yacolt, Camas and Ridgefield, netted 145,800 pounds of household hazardous waste and other items. In addition, residents donated 1,846 pounds of nonperishable food to local food banks.

Household hazardous waste includes cleaners, oil-based paint, solvents and other items that should not be put into the trash or poured down drains.

The first three events collected:

  • 28,576 pounds of hazardous waste
  • 18,850 pounds of latex paint
  • 30,935 pounds of electronic waste
  • 14,940 pounds of scrap metal
  • 25,620 pounds of used tires
  • 699 pounds of block foam
  • 7,270 pounds of old appliances
  • 4,600 pounds of paper for shredding
  • 14,620 pounds of woody debris

“We want to thank the citizens of Clark County and our partner cities for their commitment to protecting the environment,” said Don Benton, Environmental Services director. “These events provide convenient recycling for many items that are not picked up at curbside.”

Three more Recycling Day Events are scheduled for Saturdays in May, followed by a final three in September and October:

  • May 2, Holley Park, 1000 E. Fourth St., La Center
  • May 16, Washougal Transfer Station, 4020 S. Grant St.
  • May 30, Columbia River High School, 800 N.W. 99th St.
  • Sept. 12, Clark College (Yellow Lot 1), 1900 Fort Vancouver Way
  • Sept. 19, Fisher’s Landing Transit Center, 3510 S.E. 164th Ave.
  • Oct. 3, Battle Ground High School, 300 W. Main St. (enter on North Parkway Avenue).

All events run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Collection events at schools are not sponsored or endorsed by the school districts.

The final six events for 2015 will accept household hazardous waste, block foam, paper for shredding, computers and other electronic waste, scrap metal and old appliances such as refrigerators, freezers and air conditioning units. No microwave ovens will be accepted.

Participants are limited to five tires without rims per person per day. Some cities may accept additional items at their events. Visit ClarkGreenNeighbors.org/recyclingday for more information.

Recycling Day Events are open to all Clark County residents. Proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or other identification with address, may be required. No business waste will be accepted.

Nonperishable food donations to support local families will be accepted at all six events.

Information on year-round disposal options for household hazardous waste and other materials is available on the county website at RecyclingA-Z.com. For more information, call Environmental Services at (360) 397-2121 ext. 4352.