April 20, 2016
Contact: Doug Bolnick, Department of Public Health Public Information Officer, 636-949-7408
St. Charles County, Missouri – From leftover cleaning supplies and paints to lawn care products and more, the average home stores almost 100 pounds of unwanted and potentially harmful threats to the environment and the ones we love. Should St. Charles County residents uncover any of these hazardous household materials during routine home cleaning, the Division of Environmental Health and Protection’s two Recycle Works locations (in St. Charles or Wentzville) can help with a safe and convenient disposal.
Beginning May 3, St. Charles County residents may dispose of their Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) at either location. Residents may bring unwanted items like chemicals, automobile fluids, pesticides and oil-based paints (please note that latex paints are not accepted) to either Recycle Works Central (60 Triad South Drive in St. Charles) or Recycle Works West (2110 East Pitman in Wentzville). Collections are accepted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, as well as on the last Saturday of the month. There is no appointment necessary to participate in this program, but there is a $15 fee for loads up to 50 pounds, with a supplemental fee of $1 for each pound of material over 50. If you have questions regarding this collection of Household Hazardous Waste, please call 636-949-1800.
Improvements made at Recycle Works West as a part of last year’s celebration of the 25th Anniversary of St. Charles County’s recycling program have enabled that facility to collect hazardous material along with the traditional collection at Recycle Works Central. County staff constructed a weather-protected, permanent collection bunker on the grounds and paved the parking/driving areas through this development. As a result, residents may now bring unwanted household hazardous waste to Recycle Works West throughout the year (please note that collection at Recycle Works Central will continue to operate May through October only).
To ensure safety, please follow these precautions when loading and transporting HHW for collection:
- Whenever possible, please leave the material in its original containers. Items not in original packaging should be labeled clearly with a description of contents.
- Pack the waste properly — with the lid securely sealed — and do not mix waste with other materials. Recycle Works locations will not accept mixed waste in plastic bags or other containers.
- Place secured containers inside a box lined with newspapers. Take time to fill gaps between containers with additional newspaper to help prevent spilling or tipping during transport.
- Place the box in the trunk of your vehicle and safely transport it to the closest Recycle Works location.
- Upon arrival at the facility, please follow instructions and remain inside your vehicle until assisted.
To discover more ways that the Division of Environmental Health and Protection improves St. Charles County throughout the year, please call 636-949-1800 or visit
http://www.sccmo.org/760/Environmental-Division.
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