In a continuing effort to improve the image of Lincoln County,residents are encouraged to properly dispose of household hazardouswastes during an upcoming collection day.

The city of Brookhaven and Keep Lincoln County Beautiful willallow residents to bring their household hazardous waste to theSolid Waste Transfer Station on County Farm Road from 8 a.m.-1p.m., Saturday, Sept. 15.

“We’ve been trying to do this every two years through a grantwith the Department of Environmental Quality,” Lincoln CountyHazardous Household Waste Coordinator Homer Richardson said aboutthe fourth time for a county-wide collection day.

Residents are invited to bring items like aerosols, batteries,brake fluid, herbicides, motor oil, paint, paint thinner,pesticides, pool chemicals, tires, transmission fluid, turpentineand similar items.

“The main purpose is the have a way for people to get rid ofhazardous waste materials that are difficult to dispose ofproperly,” Richardson added. “These are things that should not goin the landfill.”

A company has been contracted through DEQ to make sure allregulations are followed in the disposal of the materials.

Residents are advised to leave products in original containersand seal containers so they will not leak. Containers should alsobe kept away from passengers by being placed in the back ofvehicles during transfer to the Solid Waste Transfer Station.

The designated area on County Farm Road can be reached from EastMonticello Street or Highway 84. It is across from a local barkplant, said Richardson.

Lincoln County residents will not be allowed to bring householdgarbage, tree limbs, leaves, compressed gas cylinders, explosivematerials or radioactive materials to the site.

However, recyclable items like newspapers, old phone books andpaper goods will be accepted. Any usable paints will recycled aswell, by being donated to Outreach Ministries.

“We also have an area set aside for white goods, such as stoves,microwaves, refrigerators and those type items,” Richardsonadded.

The collection day will only be open to Lincoln Countyresidents, so all participants should bring some form ofidentification to show they live in Lincoln County, includingBrookhaven.

Richardson and other members of Keep Lincoln County Beautifulhave noted significant improvements in the amount of litter in thearea. The number of participants in the collection day continues togrow every year.

“I think people are becoming more aware of the dangers ofhazardous materials,” he said. “Still some people don’t realizedwhat can happen when you pour out things like antifreeze, oil andpesticides.”

Richardson hopes that education efforts will reflect in thenumber of participants this year.

Last year over 150 Lincoln County residents brought items fordisposal, and Richardson believes more will join in the effortSaturday.

Anyone with questions about the household hazardous wastecollection day can contact Richardson at 833-4126.