Free disposal event chance to toss scary waste safely

L-N File Photo Safe Disposal Crews like these, who worked an agricultural waste collection event in Crescent in June, will be on hand today for household waste collection in Wharton. The event is open to residents countywide and runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the TxDOT barn on FM 102.

Today is the chance for Wharton County residents to get rid of those items the garbage truck can't take.

The Lower Colorado River Authority is holding a household hazardous waste collection and product exchange this morning at the Texas Department of Transportation Maintenance Facility, 1512 FM 102 in Wharton. People can drop off materials from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The following items will be accepted in household quantities at no charge: acids; antifreeze; automobile tires (up to 24-inch rim size); batteries; cell phones and telephones; computer components; cleaning products (such as polish, oven cleaners, drain opener, stain removers); plastics; televisions (no wooden consoles); used motor oil and filters; transmission and brake fluid, household products labeled "caution," "warning," or "poison;" paint, solvents and varnish; paper, cardboard, aluminum, plastics and glass; pool chemicals; and lawn and garden chemicals, herbicides and pesticides.

Items not accepted include: agricultural chemicals, dioxins, appliances, containers larger than 5 gallons, explosives, medical and pharmaceutical items, compressed gas cylinders, radioactive materials, tires with rims and industrial or commercial/ business waste.

The product exchange center is a free service during the collection. Those bringing reusable materials are asked to have items properly sealed and in their original containers and to not consolidate them.

In addition to the LCRA, collection sponsors include the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Colorado River Foundation, Wharton County, the cities of Wharton, East Bernard and El Campo, the Wharton Beautification Commission, Texas Cooperative Extension and TxDOT.

In the event of severe weather, the collection may be postponed.

For more information on hazardous materials and recycling, visit the LCRA Web site at www.lcra.org/community/hhw. html.