Greene County to Host Household Hazardous Waste Collection on Saturday

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GREENEVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) will host a mobile household hazardous waste collection event in Greene County this Saturday, offering residents a chance to dispose of toxic and harmful materials safely. The event, scheduled for Sept. 7, will take place at Hal Henard Elementary School, located at 425 E. Vann Rd., from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., according to a release from TDEC.

The collection service is open to all Tennessee residents, regardless of county of residence, and no appointment is necessary. Household hazardous waste includes cleaning fluids, pesticides, swimming pool chemicals, paint thinner, and mercury-containing devices, all of which are considered flammable, toxic, or corrosive. Improper disposal of these items can lead to environmental harm and pose health risks.

“We want to make it as easy as possible for Tennesseans to safely dispose of hazardous household waste,” said TDEC Commissioner David Salyers. “This program is designed to keep dangerous chemicals out of landfills and prevent environmental contamination.”

Since its inception in 1993, TDEC’s mobile household hazardous waste program has facilitated the proper disposal of more than 24 million pounds of dangerous materials from over 373,000 households statewide. According to TDEC, the program has conducted over 1,500 one-day collection events.

Commonly accepted items at these events include aerosols, lithium batteries, fluorescent lamps, brake fluid, and used needles in sturdy containers. Certain materials, such as ammunition, explosives, electronics, and paint, will not be accepted at the Greene County collection site. For the disposal of paint, electronics, or other similar items, residents are encouraged to check local options, as many counties, including Greene County, have year-round programs to handle batteries, oil, paint, antifreeze, and electronics, commonly referred to as "BOPAE" materials.

Improper disposal of hazardous waste in landfills can contaminate groundwater and harm wildlife. Greene County Solid Waste Director Jim Greene encourages all residents to use the free service. “This is a great opportunity to get rid of dangerous chemicals and keep them out of our environment,” he said.

Participants are advised to transport their materials in sturdy containers, preferably in the trunk of a vehicle, to minimize the risk of spills. Children and pets should not be near the materials during transportation.

In addition to household waste, businesses and institutions producing small quantities of hazardous waste—categorized as "Very Small Quantity Generator Waste"—can also participate. However, they must make an appointment and pay a disposal fee. For more information on the service for businesses, TDEC advises contacting Clean Harbors, the company managing the collections, at (615) 643-3170.

The TDEC mobile household hazardous waste collection is crucial in ensuring the safety of Tennessee's environment and public health. For further details about the event, residents can contact Jim Greene at (423) 798-1794 or visit the TDEC website.