Published: May 16, 2007 11:31 pm      

Planning commission offering waste collection

By Erik Onstott

The Orange Leader



Southeast Texas residents will have another opportunity this weekend to do some spring cleaning.

The Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission will hold a household hazardous waste and scrap tire collection event from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The event — held in cooperation with DuPont Sabine River Works,, Veolia Environmental Services and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality — will be in the parking lot of DuPont Sabine River Works, 3055 FM 1006 in Orange.

“It’s open to anyone who can get their materials to us,” said Dawn Martinez, the commission’s public information planner.

Only residential waste will be accepted; no business waste will be allowed.

Waste materials which will be accepted include insecticides such as chlordane, DDT, malathion, sevin, arsenic, etc.; herbicides; pesticides; fertilizers; paint thinners and solvents; pool chemicals; unwanted fuel; items which contain mercury, such as thermostats and thermometers; used motor oil and oil filters; photographic chemicals; brake fluid and antifreeze; car batteries; paints; batteries containing nickel, cadmium, mercury, silver-oxide, lead or lithium; and flourescent bulbs.

Scrap tires will also be accepted. There will be no charge for the first eight tires; however, a cash disposal fee of $1 will be assessed for each additional tire.

Waste items which will not be accepted include explosives, compressed gas cylinders and shock-sensitive materials; commercial, industrial or medical waste; dioxins; kepones; items which cannot be identified; radioactive materials; asbestos; or normal trash or pick-up items such as tree limbs, appliances, furniture or large items.

For more information, visit the commission’s Web site at www.setrpc.org or call 409-899-8444.



Reach this reporter at 409-883-3571, Ext. 2616 or eonstott@orangeleader.com