Solid waste collection events properly dispose of tires, paint, and much more

Scrap tires, paint, mattresses, and lawn tools are among the items most collected during solid waste collection events that communities have hosted with the support of CAPCOG’s 2020-21 solid waste grant program. These events collect bulky and household hazardous waste, and while CAPCOG hasn’t calculated the amount of material collected during 2020-21, it expects similar results to the 2018-19 biennium when nearly 6,000 tires and more than 70 tons of paint were collected from 22 events.

“Collection events traditionally limit the number of tires they take because people will bring horse trailers full,” said Ken May, CAPCOG regional programs coordinator. “The goal of the programs is not to turn anyone or anything away so items can be properly disposed, but events routinely close early because of the amount of materials received.”

Seven events have occurred this biennium in Blanco, Llano and Caldwell counties and more are scheduled. Caldwell County will hold a scrap tire collection event on March 13 in Maxwell. Lockhart will host a household hazardous waste collection event April 10, and Granite Shoals and Llano County are hosting community collection events April 17 and April 24, respectively.

Collection events are popular and can experience lines of 200 to 300 vehicles. They help preserve the region’s environment and protect hazardous chemicals from entering waterways. They are particularly useful where people don’t have easy access to disposal facilities. Collection events can deter people from illegally dumping, which can cause a public health and safety issue as rubbish may be physically dangerous, sites can attract vermin and pest, and materials can pollute the environment. These events are supported by pass-through grant funds from solid waste facility tipping fees which are allocated to regional activities by CAPCOG and its Solid Waste Advisory Committee. The next funding cycling is expected to begin in September.

Read more about the Solid Waste Program.