Here is Douglas County we are blessed with wonderful partnerships that allow us to recycle darned near every thing. Paper, plastic, metal, glass, and organics are all recyclable here. We do however need to show caution at times as we do our best to trash Douglas County Less. Here are a few pointers to help all of us stay safe:
1. Propane tanks can be recycled. However, large tanks must have the valves removed by a professional. Please take these to a propane company for proper disposal. The smaller container, of the Coleman variety, may be tossed into the scrap metal bins at the transfer stations or taken to our local scrap metal yards. None of these are to be sent to thrift stores or Sunrise Enterprises for resale or recycling.
2. Ammunition should be dismantled by a professional gunsmith if it is no longer usable. Never recycle or dispose of in the waste. Nor should it ever be donated.
3. Special care should be taken with glass containers. When recycling take care not to drop or throw the glass. Shards can fly through the air and damage your eyes. Shards can remain on the ground at cause damage to vehicles, people, and animals. Remember, only glass containers are recyclable, not window, bulbs, or dishware.
4. Liquids are not allowed in the landfill or in recyclable bins. Take care to properly empty your recyclable containers. Paint can be disposed of after it is a solid. Pesticides, herbicides, cleaners and other hazardous waste should be used up as the material is designed. Then the container can be rinsed and recycled. Motor oil can be recycled at the county transfer stations. And cooking oil can be recycled in the various black disposal bins at restaurants around the community.
5. All barbeque ashes and fireplace ashes should be placed in a plastic bag. This way you will know that the ashes are dead out. Fires can erupt in the landfill when this material is disposed of inappropriately.
6. Never smoke at the landfill or transfer stations. Butts have fallen into the bins and caused fires in the past. This results in great expense for the county in manpower and equipment.
7. When conducting any construction activity, take special care to review the policies and procedures for asbestos removal. Asbestos is forbidden from the landfill and special fees apply to it disposal. Failure to do so will result in stiff penalties. This is important for your safety, the safety of your contractors, and the safety of solid waste employees handling the waste.
8. Always cover and secure your truck loads of material as you transport disposables or recyclables to their final destination. The safety of those around you is at risk should your load not be secure. There is a $300 fine if you fail to cover your load.
9. Be very careful as you enter and leave disposal and recycling areas. There are always workers milling about. Some of them have special needs and require your utmost attention to stay safe.
Thank you for taking the time to be safe when managing your waste here in Douglas County. And don’t forget, when we Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle we can “Trash Douglas County Less!”
Posts
