Cities, nonprofits team up to host hazardous waste collection event
Three cities in DeKalb County are coming together to host an event designed to help households dispose of potentially harmful waste properly.
On Aug. 22 from 8 a.m. to noon, the city of Brookhaven, in partnership with the cities of Chamblee and Doraville, and in collaboration with Live Thrive and Keep Chamblee Beautiful, will host a household hazardous waste and recycling event in Plaza Fiesta’s parking lot, located at 4166 Buford Highway.
The following materials will be accepted at the event:
- Electronics (no large appliances or rear projection televisions)
- Paint
- Chemicals and pesticides
- Plastic film (must be clean and dry)
- Styrofoam
- Textiles and clothing
- Books
According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) website, improper disposal of hazardous materials can pollute the environment and pose a threat to human health.
“Certain types of household hazardous materials have the potential to cause physical injury to sanitation workers and contaminate septic tanks or wastewater treatment systems if poured down drains or toilets,” said EPA officials. “These materials can also present hazards to children and pets if left around the house.”
The Household Hazardous Waste Drive is an appointment-only, no-cost event with registration limited to Brookhaven, Chamblee, and Doraville residents.
“This event is for household quantities; no commercial, industrial, business waste, or excessive quantities will be accepted,” explained organizers.
Live Thrive, an Atlanta-based nonprofit, is responsible for proper recycling and disposal of all materials collected at the event. “Live Thrive organized the city of Atlanta’s first household hazardous waste collection in September 2010. Attendance was well over 500 – diverting more than 75,000 pounds of waste from our water system and landfills,” state’s Live Thrive’s website.
Visit https://livethrive.org/brookhaven/ to register for the event and see a list with more details about items that will and will not be accepted at the Household Hazardous Waste Drive.
