One hundred and six households in Cass County participated in this summer’s household hazardous waste collection event for the purpose of providing a safe disposal method of potentially dangerous products used in the home, garden and farm areas.
Recycling numbers in Cass County this year were mainly consistent with those in 2017, though for some materials the interest may be picking up. Interestingly, it was the same number that participated in last year’s event, according to Linda Behrns, executive director of Keep Cass County Beautiful.
This year, 4,580 pounds of paint were collected, compared to 4,680 pounds last year. There were 2,200 pounds of pesticides collected this year, up from 1,125 pounds in 2017. There were 74 pounds of acid-based products collected this year, compared to 342 pounds last year, while 115 gallons of oil was collected this year, compared to 25 gallons in 2017. The collection of anti-freeze totaled 65 gallons this year, compared to 69 gallons last year. Recycling products totaled 880 pounds this year, compared to 90 pounds last year, while there were 304 fluorescent light bulbs disposed of this year, compared to 138 last year.
This service is provided by a coalition of organizations and concerned volunteers, according to Behrns. Financial support this year was provided through a grant from the Nebraska Environmental Trust with other assistance provided by Cass, Otoe, Nemaha, Richardson, Pawnee, Johnson, Jefferson, and Saline counties as well as the RC and D, Midwest Farmer’s Co-op, Ash Grove Cement and Wiles Brothers, Inc.