A new household hazardous waste operating building was constructed at the Barton County Landfill last summer to better serve the public through the recycling program. Recently, however, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment notified the county that this requires a new plan and permit, said Solid Waste Director Phil Hathcock.

Now, he said, the updated operating plan has been reviewed and approved by KDHE and a new permit issued. The County Commission Monday morning approved the 49-plus page document as well.

The HHW program is an important one, Hathcock said. Free to residents of Barton, Ellsworth and Pawnee counties, it allows for the safe disposal of hazardous products such as cleaners and oils.

With the old building, people dropping off materials drove up and materials were unloaded outside in the driveway. The new structure has a drive-through and items are unloaded indoors.

Now, residents don’t even have to leave their vehicles and the staff can keep out of the sun and rain.

This can be a real benefit, he said. Monthly drop-off collections at the facility take place on the third Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. until noon, April through October, no appointment necessary. So, over this span, weather can range from cold to hot to wet.

There is a second part to the project – an explosion-proof building. This is used to safely store the chemicals.

Household hazardous waste includes household products or chemicals which can cause injury or are harmful if not used, stored, or disposed of properly. Key words found on hazardous products include poison, danger, warning, toxic, flammable, corrosive, explosive, or irritant.

They pose a threat to people (particularly children, refuse workers, and firemen) pets, and our environment. Soil and water pollution can result from improper disposal of HHW.