With spring cleaning underway in many households, citizens of the City of Roanoke, counties of Botetourt and Roanoke, and the Town of Vinton can take advantage of the Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day, set for Sunday, May 3 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority (RVRA) Transfer Station located at 1020 Hollins Road.
This is the last regional event of this type in which residents can dispose of household items considered to be too hazardous for safe recycling or regular disposal. A new hazardous waste program will begin July 1.
As in the past, registration is required for the May 3 event to reduce the amount of time residents wait. Each participant will be given a 30-minute window to arrive at the RVRA Transfer Station to deposit their waste. There are a limited number of slots, so residents are encouraged to call 387-6225 soon to avoid waiting until the new system is implemented in July to dispose of their hazardous material.
Acceptable household hazardous wastes include oil-based paints, varnishes, thinners, fluorescent bulbs, household cleaners, bleach, polishes, kerosene, etc. No commercial waste, tires, explosives, medical waste, or radioactive materials, including smoke detectors, will be accepted. Material must be in five-gallon containers or smaller; no 55-gallon drums will be accepted.
Currently, private residents of Roanoke City, Roanoke County, and the Town of Vinton may take lead acid automobile batteries, latex-based paints, used motor oil, and used antifreeze to the Transfer Station anytime during normal operating hours. No commercial materials are allowed. This program will continue after the new hazardous waste program is implemented on July 1. Visit www.rvra.net for more information.
On July 1, 2009 a permanent Household Hazardous Waste facility will be available at the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority. This new facility will be open on the third Saturday of each month, giving citizens opportunities to dispose of their hazardous materials year ‘round rather than during the three regional collection events offered in the past. At the outset, this once-per-month event will be limited to 100 residents per Saturday and will also require registration. More information about this new program will be announced soon.
For more information or to register for the May 3 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day, call 387-6225.
Submitted by Nancy Duval