Oakridge hazardous waste roundup offers safe disposal for household chemicals
Oakridge residents could bring up to 35 gallons of paint, cleaners and pool chemicals to the fire station, keeping dangerous waste out of garages and the trash.
Oakridge residents got a same-day chance to clear old paint, pool chemicals and other risky household products out of garages and sheds before summer heat made them more dangerous to store. Lane County held a free household hazardous waste roundup Saturday, May 2, at Oakridge Fire Station, 47592 Highway 58, with drop-off hours from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Households could bring up to 35 gallons of hazardous waste per customer. Lane County said accepted items included paint, household cleaners, lawn and garden chemicals, car-care products, arts and crafts products, pool chemicals and fluorescent tubes. County guidance said residents should look for label words such as solvent, flammable, corrosive, poison, caution, danger, warning or caustic, since those are common signs that a product needs special handling.
The county drew a firm line on what would not be accepted. Empty containers, drums, radioactive or infectious waste, asbestos, pressurized cylinders and explosives were off limits. Lane County said empty containers could go in the trash, but the rest required other disposal options. That matters because hazardous household products can pollute groundwater and streams, and items left untouched in sheds or garages can leak, mix with other materials or become a fire risk.
The roundup was free for households and open to all community members. Businesses, schools, churches, government agencies and nonprofits could participate only if they pre-registered and paid disposal fees. Lane County said small businesses with limited hazardous waste may save money by using the event instead of hiring a contractor.
The county said the program was funded by fees collected when commercial garbage haulers or residents bring waste to Short Mountain Landfill or one of Lane County’s 15 transfer stations. For questions about radioactive waste, asbestos, explosives or other hazardous-waste issues, Lane County listed 541-682-4120.
Lane County also said rural household hazardous waste collection events are held several times per year. A previous county blog post said Oakridge and Florence roundup events drew nearly 425 customers in April and June, a reminder that many households still have old chemicals waiting for a safe disposal day.
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