Helpful Links
Acceptable and Unacceptable Items
Electronic Waste
Hazardous Waste Transporters
Collection Schedule by Date
Frequently Asked Questions
Agricultural Pesticide Waste Collection Program
Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation
Metal Conversion Technologies
Blue Rhino Cylinder Recycling (.pdf)
Thermostat Recycling Corporation
Home Depot Takes Back CFBs
Forms and Guidance
HHW Policy Guide
Pre-event Checklist
Paint Pre-Collection Policy
Paint Pre-Collection Guidance
HHW Media Kit
Timeline for Coordinators
Overview of HHW
Providing household hazardous waste collection to the citizens of Tennessee
is an important and worthwhile cause. Proper disposal of HHW helps to
protect the environment and sanitation workers and can reduce the toxicity
of landfill leachate. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for citizens
to rid their homes of potentially dangerous chemicals. According to the
American Association of Poison Control Centers there were almost 750,000
non-pharmaceutical accidental poisonings of children in 1998, twelve of
which were fatal.
Tennessee's Mobile Collection Service is open to any Tennessee resident. The program is limited to households. Businesses, institutions, schools, and agri-business operations should contact a permitted hazardous waste transporter for proper disposal. Agri-businesses may, however, dispose of their pesticides through the Agricultural Pesticide Waste Collection Program.
Organizing and Hosting an Event
The Division of Solid Waste Management (SWM) has a policy
guide for counties interested in planning an HHW Collection event.
The policy guide describes the responsibilities of the State, the host
county, and the State's HHW contractor. These responsibilities are based
on Federal and State laws, regulations, and policies concerning the management
of HHW. The criteria are set forth to maintain the integrity of the HHW
Mobile Collection Service. In addition, a pre-event
checklist is available to assist counties in fulfilling their responsibilities
for an event.
The State pays the contractor a minimum set-up fee each time the HHW Collection Service is mobilized regardless of the participation at the event. In order to provide the most cost efficient service, the events should be well utilized. A collection event cannot be successful without advertisement. The Advertising and Public Education Guide for Household Hazardous Waste in Tennessee is available to help counties advertise effectively. Sample press releases and advertisments are available along with examples of success stories. In addition, a timeline for local coordinators is available to assist in planning and advertising the event.
The FY 07-08 HHW results are available for your review. If you have any questions please contact Paula Mitchell, HHW Coordinator, at (615) 532-9265.
Year Round Collection of HHW
Solid Waste Management encourages counties to educate its citizens year-round
concerning the proper use and disposal of HHW. Counties should use all
available means to communicate the characteristics of HHW, the consequences
of improper disposal, and the basic concept of reducing, reusing, and
recycling HHW whenever possible. Additionally, preference for mobile collection service will be given to counties that are providing year-round management of batteries, oil, paint, antifreeze, and electronics (BOPAE).
By following certain guidelines, many HHW (i.e. propane tanks, computers and televisions, paint, batteries, used oil, antifreeze, and oil filters) can be safely collected by existing solid waste staff on a year-round basis. This higher level of service to local residents can reduce mobile collection costs, prevent landfilling of waste, and improve water quality. The Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste Management has established Household Paint Management Requirements and Household Paint Managment Guidance for counties involved in household paint collection and handling. For more year-round collection options for mercury thermostats, escrap, rechargeable batteries, cell phones, propane cylinders, and more please see above helpful links on the right.
Success with BOPAE Collections This event was a huge success! It cost the city of Athens less than $1,000 due to the partnerships created with local media, environmental groups, and waste haulers. Mr. Lindsey worked closely with Keep McMinn Beautiful to recruit volunteers for the day of the BOPA+E event. The McMinn County Environmental Club and WXYI radio station contributed advertisements and other media. Due to this increased promotion, the participation for this event was slightly higher than McMinn County's last HHW event. Scott Computers provided labor and recycling in exchange for the electronic scrap. A total of 20,350 lbs was collected at the BOPA+E event in comparison to 21,403 lbs at the last HHW collection. This event was an excellent example of what can be accomplished when local agencies, community organizations, and state agencies work together toward a common goal, proper disposal of batteries, oil, paint, antifreeze, and electronics at minimum cost in order to facilitate more HHW events across the state. |
For more information about Tennessee's Household Hazardous
Waste Program, please contact Paula
Mitchell by email or at
615-532-9265.