MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) will host a mobile household hazardous waste collection event in Rutherford County this Saturday, October 25, offering residents a free and safe way to dispose of unwanted chemicals and other hazardous materials.... That was Donna Barrett, chair of the Central Tennessee Regional Solid Waste Planning Board. The upcoming event will take place at the Murfreesboro Solid Waste Department, located at 4765 Florence Road, from 8 a.m. until noon.

“This collection service provides an excellent way to responsibly dispose of household hazardous waste, and we want to make it as convenient as possible,” said TDEC Commissioner David Salyers. “We welcome all Tennesseans to take advantage of this opportunity to show their commitment to environmental protection.”

Participation is open to all Tennesseans, regardless of county of residence. There is no cost or appointment required for household participants.

Since the program began in 1993, more than 383,000 Tennessee households have properly disposed of over 25 million pounds of hazardous material through 1,500 one-day collection events.

Recycle Other Household Items - If you've been collecting or separating your household waste into recyclable stacks, but you're not sure where to take them, Barrett told WGNS... Visit RecycleRightTN.com for details, ideas, and more on recycling in your area. The website also helps residents find the recycling center closest to their home.

Saturday Drop-off Location: Rutherford County

• Murfreesboro Solid Waste Department, 4765 Florence Rd., Murfreesboro, 8 a.m.-noon.

• The contact is Bishop Wagener at (615) 295-9716

Accepted and Non-Accepted Items - Residents can bring items such as cleaning fluids, pesticides, mercury thermometers, fluorescent lamps, lithium and button batteries, aerosols, adhesives, medications, brake fluid, swimming pool chemicals, paint thinner, and used needles sealed in sturdy containers.

Items not accepted include ammunition, explosives, alkali ne batteries, paint, electronics, and any empty containers that can be safely thrown away with regular garbage.

While the household collection is free, businesses, schools, churches, farms, and other non-residential generators—classified as Very Small Quantity Generators (VSQGs)—must schedule an appointment and pay for disposal. To do so, call (615) 643-3170 for pricing and scheduling.

Transport and Safety Tips - When transporting materials, residents should place containers in sturdy boxes lined with newspaper or plastic, secure them in the trunk or bed of a vehicle, and keep them away from children and pets to prevent spills or exposure.

TDEC also reminds residents that many local governments offer year-round collection of batteries, oil, paint, antifreeze, and electronics—collectively known as BOPAE materials—through their city or county solid waste departments.

• For more information, visit the TDEC Household Hazardous Waste Program webpage HERE.
• For information on recycling, visit RecycleRightTN.com today!