Norman to collect hazardous waste

NORMAN — Residents of Norman can dispose of their household hazardous waste for free during an upcoming collection event.

Norman’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 20 in the southwest parking lot of the Lloyd Noble Center. Those attending should enter from Jenkins or Chautauqua.

The collection provides an opportunity for Norman residents to get rid of dangerous items that cannot be put in the waste stream or taken to the landfill.

About 1,500 households disposed of waste material at last year’s event, which included 46,000 pounds of chemicals, 1,100 gallons of used motor oil, 200 gallons of antifreeze, 17,000 pounds of latex paint and 31,000 pounds of oilbased paint. Also, about 36,000 pounds of electronics, 300 tires and a number of old appliances were collected.

Many items will be accepted as part of the event. These include: Oil, paint, kerosene, cleaners, pool chemicals, pesticides, computers and computer accessories, and automobile and small truck tires (without rims).

Some of the items that cannot be accepted include: Radioactive waste, explosives, medical waste, business-generated waste, household trash, and compressed gas or containers.

Products should be kept in their original containers, and chemicals should not be mixed.

Reusable household chemicals can be dropped off for redistribution to citizens. Five-gallon buckets of recycled latex paint will be given away while supplies last.

Organizers are seeking volunteers to help with the event. Some of the work assignments will include setting up the event, surveying participants, traffic control, unloading materials, and bulking paint and oil.

Those interested in volunteering for the event, may contact the city of Norman’s Environmental Services Division at 292-9731.