The original item was published from March 8, 2018 2:48 PM to April 3, 2018 4:55 PM
| SPRING CLEANING, PLANTING IMPROVE COMMUNITIES |
Spring is a time to improve our surroundings by cleaning clutter, removing unwanted waste and beautifying yards. Conservation and recycling programs improve our quality of life and provide a better future for our children. Along with improving our community, these programs conserve resources, boost the economy and saves money.
Safely Dispose Household Hazardous Waste
From cleaning supplies and paints to lawn and automobile care products, the average home stores almost 100 pounds of potentially harmful threats to our health and the environment. Should you uncover any of these potentially toxic materials during your cleaning projects, the Division of Environmental Health and Protection can help dispose them in a safe and convenient manner so they don’t end up in landfills or polluting waterways.
St. Charles County residents may safely dispose of Household Hazardous Waste through the County’s Recycle Works locations. Residents may bring unwanted items like chemicals, automobile fluids, pesticides and oil-based paints (please note that latex paints are not accepted) to the Recycle Works Central or Recycle Works West locations.
Collection hours run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays, and on the last Saturday of the month, with no appointment necessary. There is a $15 fee for loads up to 50 pounds. For larger loads, the fee is the base $15, plus an additional $1 for each pound of material above 50. If you have questions, please call 636-949-1800.
Plant a Tree, Watch the Benefits Grow
Another way to improve your home and enhance the community is by planting trees and flowers in your yard. Medical studies show that those who have clear views of natural beauty report 15 percent fewer illnesses, and one acre of trees turns carbon dioxide into enough oxygen to allow 18 people to breathe cleanly throughout the year. In addition to health benefits, the Missouri Department of Conservation notes that trees along neighborhood streets increase a subdivision’s home values by nearly $9,000 and shade trees alongside a home reduce air conditioning expenses by up to 30 percent.
Choose Missouri Native Plants
A great suggestion is to add native Missouri tree species — such as black oak, dogwood, redbud, shagbark hickory, silver maple, wild plum and others — that are more adapt to thrive in our weather conditions. To celebrate Earth Day, free seedlings of many of these native species will be available at the Recycle Works locations and the Division of Environmental Health and Protection office beginning April 16, while supplies last.
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DON'T PASS ON FOOD SAFETY DURING SUPER BOWL
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