May 4, 2017
Contact: Doug Bolnick, Public Information Officer, 636-949-7408
ST. CHARLES COUNTY, MO — Under sinks, on basement shelves or in the garage, the average home stores almost 100 pounds of hazardous materials, including cleaning supplies, paints, lawn care products and pesticides. Improper disposal of these products — pouring them down a drain, tossing them in trash receptacles, emptying them into storm sewers or dumping them on the ground — can pose a risk to people, pets and our environment.
Beginning today and continuing through September 30, 2017, St. Charles County residents can dispose of these unwanted Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) materials safely and conveniently through the Division of Environmental Health and Protection’s Recycle Works locations. Residents can bring chemicals, automobile fluids, pesticides, and oil-based paints — please note that latex paints are not accepted through this collection, as they can be disposed of safely through other means — to either Recycle Works Central, 60 Triad South Drive in St. Charles, or Recycle Works West, 2110 East Pitman in Wentzville. There is a $15 fee for loads up to 50 pounds and an additional $1 fee for each pound of material over 50. For a list of all HHW items accepted at the facilities, please visit http://www.sccmo.org/RecycleWorks or call 636-949-1800.
Both Recycle Works locations accept Household Hazardous Waste from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. To make the collection of these items even more convenient for residents, Recycle Works West accepts them from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday, and Recycle Works Central accepts items from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the last Saturday of the month.
To ensure safety, please follow these precautions when loading and transporting HHW for collection:
- When possible, leave the material in its original containers. Items not in original packaging should be labeled clearly with a description of contents.
- Secure the lid tightly. Do not mix waste with other materials. Recycle Works locations will not accept mixed waste in plastic bags or other containers.
- Place secured containers inside a box lined with newspapers. Fill gaps between containers with additional newspaper to help prevent spilling or tipping during transport.
- Place the box in the trunk of your vehicle and transport it to the closest Recycle Works location.
- Upon arrival at the facility, follow posted instructions and remain inside your vehicle until assisted.
In addition to the HHW collection, and to complement municipal curbside recycling programs, Recycle Works Central and Recycle Works West accept recyclable materials from residents throughout the year. The facilities collect aluminum, electronic devices, cardboard and paper products, printer cartridges, and more. For information on St. Charles County’s Recycle Works facilities and a listing of the materials accepted at each location, please visit http://www.sccmo.org/RecycleWorks.
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