Contact: Donna Gilson, donna.gilson@wi.gov, 608-224-5130
Jim Dick, Communications Director, jim.dick@wi.gov, 608-224-5020
MADISON – You can check online if there’s a Clean Sweep event near you, where you’ll be able to dispose of household hazardous wastes, agricultural pesticides and unwanted prescription drugs.
Visit http://datcp.wi.gov/Environment/Clean_Sweep/index.aspx to find the collection dates, times and locations. Some events take place on one or two days while others offer continuous collections throughout the year.
“Please check with your local event coordinator or the website provided to be sure the information provided is accurate,” says Jane Larson, Clean Sweep program coordinator with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). “Read the information carefully, as some communities require pre-registration or charge a fee, while others may be collecting additional items like electronic waste, tires or fluorescent bulbs.”
DATCP’s Clean Sweep program provides grants to local governments, planning commissions and tribes to support collections of these hazardous materials.
If you don’t see your county or community listed, collections may still be scheduled. Many local governments provide collection and disposal options without clean sweep grant funds.
“Contact your local solid waste or recycling department. If you’re a farmer with agricultural chemicals, contact your county extension agent. For unwanted prescription drug disposal, many police departments have permanent drop boxes available,” Larson says.
The federal Drug Enforcement Agency is also sponsoring a nationwide drug collection event on Saturday, April 28, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Check http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/ for locations near you.
Clean Sweep grants have helped collect more than 3 million pounds of farm chemical waste, 5 million pounds of household hazardous waste, and 90,000 pounds of unwanted drugs.
