The Thompson-Nicola Regional District is offering a new service to residents - Environmental Health Services is launching a campaign to receive hazardous waste in the region, hoping to make the new initiative a yearly event. Eight separate Free Household Hazardous Waste and Recycling Round-Up events were launched and Clearwater will be having one on May 29.
"Now is the time to check under your sink, in your basement or closet, or shed, and round up all the household hazardous materials you're no longer using," said Jaime Vieira, TNRD Environmental Services technologist. "These are items that are toxic, corrosive, reactive or ignitable." Examples of hazardous materials include: solvents, aerosols, adhesives, antifreeze, batteries, gasoline, kerosene, mercury, paint, pesticides, propane tanks, fertilizer, grease and waste oil, oil filters, and oil pails.
"This type of waste should not be disposed of with your regular garbage because it is dangerous and harmful to the environment when buried in a landfill," added Vieira. "This is why we're offering the free service, allowing residents to get rid of these difficult to dispose of hazardous materials."
The Clearwater Round Up event takes place on May 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the North Thompson Sportsplex, 428 Murtle Crescent. Participating product stewards include Encorp, Product Care, the British Columbia Used Oil Management Association and Tire Stewardship British Columbia.
The Clearwater Round-Up is for household hazardous waste material only, commercial and industrial hazardous waste will not be accepted at this event. For more information please contact the TNRD at 1-877-377-8673.