Hazardous waste day in Sharbot Lake

Jul 29, 2010

Early morning line ups were avoided this year at the third annual one day only hazardous waste drop off in Sharbot lake thanks in large part to prior announcements asking people to stagger their visits.

The drop off is offered as a partnership between Central Frontenac Township and Drain All Limited of

Ottawa. Steve Tebworth, the household hazardous waste coordinator with Drain All said the majority of waste dropped off were paints, oil and miscellaneous organics like flammables.

Last year close to 300 people turned out filling almost two tractor trailers and this year likely more as people are consciously making efforts to keep hazardous waste out of local landfill sites. Stewardship Ontario recently mandated that 60% of all the different waste classes including paint, household batteries gases, oil, oil filters, propane cylinders, and many other items be recycled.

Various members of Central Frontenac Council along with members of the roads committee were out volunteering and helping to direct people through the drop off.

CAO of Central Frontenac John Duchene was pleased with the turn out and the steady flow. “We are trying to encourage people to keep toxic materials out of the landfill sites. We are surrounded by a natural environment area here so anything we can keep out of the aquifers and the water table is a good thing,” he said.

Councilor Frances Smith added, “It's also a great opportunity for home owners who want to tidy up their properties and get rid of this stuff safely.”

Anyone who missed the drop off is encouraged to keep their hazardous waste safely stored until next year's drop off.