MSU Extension spring hazardous waste pickup set for May 8

The Huron County MSU extension will be hosting its spring household hazardous waste collection on May 5. (Tribune File Photo)

It is spring cleaning time again, and the Michigan State University Extension in Huron County is once again running its free hazardous waste pickup on May 8, and asking residents to pre-register by May 7.

Normally the MSUE holds two pickups each year, but last year saw the spring hazardous waste pickup take in so much waste that the MSUE had exhausted its allotted budget for the service.

"It was a big success," Coordinator Shelly Sowles said. "It was the busiest one we've done yet. It was so busy with car after car pulling in, but we loved it. It was a great turnout."

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Last year the MSUE in Huron County took in 13,000 pounds of waste, consisting of things like oil paints, automotive liquids and other hazardous materials.

"We want as many people as we can to bring in their waste," Sowles said. "If it's brought to us, it's not going to end up in the groundwater or the environment around here."

Items that will be accepted range from household items like aerosol sprays and detergents and garden items like insect repellent and weed killers.

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There are some items that are not accepted for waste pickup. Things like latex paint (which is water-based and can be discarded when dried up), illegal narcotics/medical waste/expired medication, and others. You can receive a full list of acceptable and unacceptable items when you register.

Huron County residents will need to pre-register by calling 989-269-9949 by Tuesday, May 7, with the items they wish to dispose of, and the MSUE will facilitate where they will be dropped off. Once registered, you will be instructed on where to drop off your items on May 8, or contacted if there are any changes to the drop-off.