Monroe County held hazardous waste collection for Cudjoe residents

Monroe County scheduled a household hazardous waste collection for the Cudjoe area on December 17, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Watson Field and Big Pine Dog Park. The collection served residents of Summerland, Ramrod and Little Torch Key, and offered a place to drop off common household hazardous materials such as paints, pesticides, batteries and motor oil. County officials also held similar community collections on December 19 at other locations.

The program is part of Monroe County solid waste outreach to reduce illegal dumping and to keep hazardous materials out of stormwater systems and the marine environment. By diverting these materials from curbside trash and informal disposal, the county aims to limit contamination that can harm nearshore waters and the seafood and tourism sectors that depend on clean coastal resources.

For local residents the event reduced the logistical and legal barriers to proper disposal. Many hazardous items require special handling and cannot be accepted at regular trash facilities. Providing discrete collection windows and sites helps households comply with disposal rules while lowering the risk of improper dumping that can create public health and infrastructure costs.

Economically, these collection events serve as preventive measures that can lower future municipal cleanup expenses and protect property values tied to coastal amenities. Preventing hazardous runoff into stormwater helps avoid treatment and remediation spending and reduces potential liabilities for local government and private property owners. The program also supports broader municipal waste management goals that increasingly emphasize product stewardship and safe end of life management for household chemicals.

Residents are encouraged to follow Monroe County guidance on accepted items and drop off procedures for future events. By using these county collection services, community members help limit environmental risk to Keys waters and support the local economy that relies on fishing, recreation and tourism.