CHEMICALS PLACED FOR COLLECTION ENDANGERS EMPLOYEES AND COMMUNITY
March 14, 2003 - On Friday, March 14, 2003, the City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department held a press conference in front of its Environmental Service Center, 11500 S. Post Oak, to alert the public about the dangers of improper disposal of chemicals and household hazardous waste (HHW).
"Household hazardous waste can cause damage to human health and the environment," said Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) Director Thomas "Buck" Buchanan. He added, "HHW poured onto the ground or in waterways may contaminate drinking water supplies…or even injure sanitation workers."
SWMD heavy trash operator, Elmer McMurray shared his story about the chemical incident earlier this week (March 10th) that resulted in him going to the hospital. McMurray said that after he picked up the load and put it in the bed of the tractor-trailer, a powdery substance got in his nostrils and on his skin and …he knew by the smell it was some type of chemical." The chemicals were hidden under a heavy trash pile.
A demonstration was conducted by SWMD Environmental Service Center employees to demonstrate how common household items when combined can cause reactions. Buchanan stated, "The message is do NOT place chemicals at the curb. Bring your household hazardous waste to the Environmental Service Center- there is no charge."
The Environmental Service Centers (North and South) are a drive-through, drop-off HHW facility open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. and the second Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Houston residents can bring their paint, anti-freeze, brake fluid, herbicides, batteries, used motor oil, household chemicals, fuels, aerosol cans, computers, electronic scraps and other household hazardous waste items to the Environmental Service Center. The center will NOT accept ammunition, explosives, medical waste, radioactive material, waste generated by businesses, propane and butane cylinders, and PCBs and dioxins.
The City of Houston has a voucher program with the City of West University Place, Hedwig Village, Hunters Creek Village, Bunker Hill Village, Fry Road MUD, Harris County Pollution Control District and the City of Bellaire. Residents of those cities should contact their municipal government for a voucher prior to bringing their household hazardous waste (200 pound limit) to the City of Houston Environmental Service Center.
Houston's Westpark Recycling Center accepts B.O.P.A. (car Batteries, used motor Oil, latex Paint, and Anti-freeze). The Westpark Recycling Center, 5900 Westpark, is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 713.551.7355.