Hazardous waste products can be a danger to waste workers and are excluded in weekly trash pickup. Unfortunately until now for those of you wishing to dispose of used paint cans or old car oil the nearest hazardous waste site was located in east Delray. At the beginning of July 2011 a new hazardous waste dropoff site opened and is conveniently located at 13400 South State Route 7 just 1 ½ miles north of Atlantic.  Acceptable items include pesticides, cleaning products, batteries, solvents, pool chemicals, paint, used oil and propane cylinders.  The facility’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 7 am to 3 pm.

For those of you that would like to improve the environment and help reduce the 2.0 million tons of solid waste generated yearly, the Solid Waste Authority (SWA) offers a number of exciting volunteer programs. The Green Team program allows volunteers to assist with community actions and special events. And Neighbor to Neighbor volunteers educate families, friends and neighbors about waste prevention and recycling. And if you have a group, regardless of size, looking for a worthwhile summer project why not look into the Adopt-A-Spot volunteer program. Pick a site in need of cleanup such as a vacant lot or an area your group would like to beautify and SWA will provide trash bags, gloves, t-shirts for group members, and training and litter abatement education if applicable. And your group will also receive recognition at an annual appreciation luncheon.  For more information on volunteer programs visit www.SWA.org

Weather predictions are forecasting an active hurricane season this year. SWA asks that once a storm has been named you do not cut down trees or begin construction projects that produce debris. Once a watch or warning has been issued do not trim vegetation or take materials to the curb, transfer station or the landfill. SWA will suspend service and close early to prepare for such storms.

Following the storm keep household garbage, recycling, and storm debris in separate piles. Also, do not place any debris near or on a fence, transformer or downed electrical wiring, water meters, fire hydrants or storm drains.

And please remember that SWA’s number one priority following a hurricane is for the collection of garbage, with the debris and trash pick up to follow as normal operation resumes.