Dr. Karen Bell
Keep Liberty Beautiful
Every household has them: half-empty cans of paint, old pesticides, expired cleaning products, used batteries, or motor oil stored in garages and sheds. While these items may seem harmless when tucked away, they can pose serious risks if not disposed of properly. That’s why Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Recycling Fairs are so crucial for communities like Liberty County.
These events offer a safe and responsible way to dispose of materials that should never end up in regular trash or be discarded outdoors. Household products such as cleaners, fuels, and chemicals often contain ingredients that are toxic, flammable, or corrosive. When left sitting around the home, they can create risks for accidental spills, fires, or poisoning. By participating in a recycling fair, families can safely dispose of these dangers and reduce the potential for accidents. Improper disposal — like pouring oil down a drain or tossing batteries into the trash — can harm the environment for years to come. Chemicals can leach into soil, waterways, and groundwater, polluting the resources we all rely on. Recycling fairs make sure these materials are handled by professionals who dispose of them in ways that protect our air, land, and water.
Not all hazardous items are “waste.” Many items, such as car batteries, motor oil, and electronics, contain valuable materials that can be recycled and reused.
By collecting them at these events, communities reduce waste, conserve energy, and recover resources that would otherwise be sent to landfills. KLB’s Recycle It! Fairs aren’t just about collection, they’re also about education. Residents learn about the dangers of certain products, discover safer alternatives, and understand their crucial role in protecting the environment. This kind of awareness fosters long-term change and cultivates a stronger sense of responsibility for maintaining clean neighborhoods.
When hazardous waste is dumped illegally or mishandled, the cost of cleanup falls on taxpayers. Organizing HHW recycling fairs is far more cost-effective than dealing with pollution and cleanup efforts later. Preventing the problem is always cheaper — and safer — than fixing it after the fact.
By participating in these fairs, the community not only protects the environment but also saves on potential future cleanup costs, making them responsible stewards of their community.
For our community, HHW Recycling Fairs mean fewer chemicals in our streams, safer homes, and cleaner neighborhoods. They help protect wildlife, ensure cleaner drinking water, and give us peace of mind knowing our environment is being cared for. Just as importantly, these events show what can happen when a community comes together — neighbors working side by side for the greater good.
At the end of the day, these fairs are about more than just waste disposal. They are about creating healthier homes, protecting our environment, and leaving a legacy of care for future generations. By taking advantage of HHW Recycling Fairs, we each play a role in building a cleaner, safer, and stronger community, and we should all take pride in that.
On Saturday, October 25, KLB Recycle It! Fair will be held in Bradwell Park, downtown Hinesville. The community can bring numerous household items that cannot be dropped off at local recycling drop-off centers. Here are the items we will recycle at this fair:
• Electronics and electronic accessories
• Cell phones and accessories
• CFLs and fluorescent light bulbs (4inches or less)
• Used motor oil and antifreeze
• Car batteries.
• Household batteries
• Printer ink and toner cartridges
• Telephone books, large sale catalogs, and books
• Household goods, clothes, and shoes (gently used, please)
• Old prescription medications and over-the-counter medications (no needles or syringes) There will not be a Free Shred Truck at this event. The next Shred Day will take place on November 15 at the Liberty County Community Complex in Midway.
Join Keep Liberty Beautiful for the next scheduled cleanup, Rivers Alive, on October 25, in every city and county area in Liberty County, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. You can arrange for your family, church, business, and school to have a cleanup in your area. Keep Liberty Beautiful will supply all equipment needed, and volunteers will receive a Rivers Alive T-shirt.
To sign up and make a difference on Make A Difference Day, check out our website, www.keeplibertybeautiful. org, or contact us at (912) 880-4888 or klcb@libertycountyga. gov.