Free Hazardous Waste Collection Event for Calhoun County Residents - Sept. 14

Free Hazardous Waste Collection Event

Calhoun County residents will have an opportunity to dispose of household hazardous waste during a free collection event at the Calhoun County Fairgrounds on Sept. 14.

The collection will run from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the fairgrounds, located at 720 Fair St. in Marshall. Participants are asked to enter the event from Washington Street.

Who Can Participate

The event is limited to Calhoun County residents and provides a safe, convenient way to dispose of materials that should not be thrown in regular household trash.

Accepted Materials

The collection will accept a wide range of household hazardous materials, including:

• Oil-based paint and stains

• Fuels stored in fuel cans

• Solvents and thinners

• Acids and bases

• Pesticides and herbicides

• Household cleaners

• Medications

• Sharps (in proper containers)

• Batteries (all types)

• Fluorescent light bulbs

• Motor oil and oil filters

• Antifreeze

• Propane cylinders (20 lbs or less)

• Fire extinguishers

• Aerosol cans

• Lamp ballasts

• Flammable solids and liquids

• Toxic materials

• Self-defense spray

• Peroxides

• Water-reactive materials

• Isocyanates and cyanide

Important Guidelines

To ensure safe handling and disposal, please follow these guidelines:

Mercury: Place in a Ziplock bag

Sharps: Store inside a rigid, puncture-resistant container with a lid

Transport: Keep items upright and use tarps or leak-proof containers to prevent spills

Labeling: Clearly label any materials not in original packaging

Paint cans: Separate from other materials

Items NOT Accepted

Please note that the following items will not be accepted:

• Gas cylinders with foam insulation

• Latex paint (not considered hazardous waste)

• Empty containers (can be discarded in regular trash)

Gas Can Returns

Those who wish to have their gas cans returned may be asked to park and wait during the collection process. This allows staff to safely empty and return your containers.

Additional Recycling Resources

Residents with items not included on the accepted list can find information about additional recycling events, recycling guides, and disposal tips through the county's recycling resources.

More information is available at calhouncountymi.gov/recycling.

Note: Polystyrene is accepted only at the Marshall Recycling Center.

Why Proper Disposal Matters

Household hazardous waste can pose risks to human health and the environment if not disposed of properly. These materials can contaminate groundwater, harm wildlife, and create safety hazards in landfills.

By participating in this free collection event, you are:

• Protecting local water sources

• Keeping harmful chemicals out of landfills

• Ensuring safe handling of dangerous materials

• Supporting environmental stewardship in Calhoun County

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When and where is the hazardous waste collection event?

A: The event takes place on September 14 from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Calhoun County Fairgrounds, 720 Fair St. in Marshall. Enter from Washington Street.

Q: Who can participate in the hazardous waste collection?

A: The event is limited to Calhoun County residents. You may be asked to provide proof of residency.

Q: What types of items can I bring to the collection?

A: Accepted items include oil-based paint, fuels, solvents, pesticides, household cleaners, medications, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, motor oil, antifreeze, propane cylinders, fire extinguishers, aerosol cans, and many other hazardous materials. Latex paint and empty containers are not accepted.