KNB’s largest collection effort

The first western Nassau Household Hazardous Waste
Collection was Nassau County’s largest collection ever.

Keep Nassau Beautiful and Nassau County Solid Waste Department sponsored the event Sept. 8. Prior to this year, HHWC events occurred annually during the month of April, typically in Yulee. 

Due to population growth and increased demand, a second event was added this year, held for the first time at the Northeast Florida Fairgrounds in Callahan. The event attracted residents from all areas of Nassau County. In addition to collection of hazardous waste, residents also supported the Barnabas Food Pantry during the event with donations of canned goods.

The data shows the event was the largest on record. Nine volunteers from Keep Nassau Beautiful provided greater than 90 hours of time to assist residents in unloading and properly disposing of more than 46,800 pounds, or 23 tons, of hazardous waste. The top three items collected include latex paint, used oil and electronics. 

“Year after year, one of the most popular items for disposal during the HHWC event is latex paint. During our September event, a record amount of 14,540 pounds was collected,” said Lynda Bell, executive director for KNB. She added, “Many residents don’t know they can dispose of latex paint throughout the year by following a few easy steps.” 

The steps include the purchase of any brand of cat litter. Add the cat litter to the latex paint can. Leave the lid off and give the mixture time to dry out and solidify. Once the mixture has solidified, the can and solidified mixture may be disposed of during regular trash collection. In the solidified form, the mixture of cat litter and latex paint is not considered hazardous waste.

Residents also brought over-the-counter and prescription medications to the event, but prescription medications could not be accepted. A separate event, Prescription Drug Take Back Day, is scheduled for Saturday for residents to dispose of prescription drugs. Email or call Rachel Stokes for more information at rachelstokes@nacdac.com or 904-277-3699.

The Nassau County Solid Waste Department Tire Amnesty Day was also held Sept. 8. While Nassau County residents may dispose of up to four tires per household per year, Tire Amnesty Day provides an additional opportunity to properly dispose of up to 10 tires per household with no fee for disposal. This year’s Tire Amnesty Day resulted in 8.79 tons of waste tires being collected during the four-hour event.  Visit the Nassau County website for more information at www.nassaucountyfl.com/368/Convenience-Recycling-Center.

“We appreciate Nassau County residents, Keep Nassau Beautiful volunteers, the Nassau County Solid Waste Department, Recycling E-Scrap, U.S. Ecology, Barnabas Food Pantry, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office and the NEFL Fairgrounds Association for their participation in the collection and responsible disposal of household hazardous waste,” Bell said. 

The next Nassau County Household Hazardous Waste Collection event is March 30. Visit www.keepnassaubeautiful.org.