Story Published:
Jul 1, 2009 at 6:04 PM CST
Story Updated:
Jul 1, 2009 at 6:04 PM CST
SPRINGFIELD -- If you've been looking for a place to get rid of your used compact fluorescent lights and other hazardous items, the city has a safe place to take them. Springfield is helping Greene County residents responsibly dispose of their household chemicals and hazardous waste.
Springfield's Household Chemical Collection Center has been open since 1994. It’s expanding its hours and taking in more items.
People have taken one million pounds of hazardous waste to the HCCC since it opened. Just about anything you don't want to touch, it'll take.
“If you see the words danger, poison, corrosive, those are materials that need to be disposed of properly,” said Barbara Lucks, the city’s recycling educator and coordinator.
Some of it is incinerated; most of it is recycled; all of it is properly disposed of so it doesn't hurt the environment.
“It isn't any one person's amount (that matters by itself) but when you put everybody together,” said Lucks.
Glen Thompson went by the HCCC to get rid of some 10-year-old chemicals.
“Antifreeze, transmission fluid, things like that,” said Thompson.
“We can take cleaners, pesticides, flea shampoos, lawn products, pool chemicals,” said Lucks.
HCCC has expanded its hours.
It’s now open from 7 to 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and from 3 to 6 p.m. on Thursdays and on Saturdays, but you must make an appointment. Call (417) 864-2000.
