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EPA transitioning household hazardous waste collection to St. Tammany Parish

Release Date: 12/14/2005
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

     The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is working with St. Tammany Parish officials to begin transitioning household hazardous waste responsibilities to the Parish.  The last day to drop off household hazardous waste at the three EPA Parish locations is December 20, 2005.  

     FEMA and the State of Louisiana initially called on the EPA to implement a program to collect hazardous chemicals and materials, diverting them from the hurricane waste stream.  Household hazardous waste includes cleaners, pesticides, lawn and garden products, workshop and paint supplies, automotive supplies, batteries, solvents, thermometers, fluorescent lights, and flammable products such as oil, gas and propane.  Improper disposal increases the risk of contaminating air, water and soil.  For example, materials placed in drains flow directly to septic tanks or sewage treatment plants, which can then pollute waterways.  

      "We have had very successful household hazardous waste collection efforts in the Parish," said Michelle Rogow, EPA's division supervisor for the St. Tammany household hazardous waste and white goods collection and disposal operation. "The residents have been very helpful in separating out household hazardous waste from ordinary trash, and we appreciate their efforts."

     The EPA collected more than 70,000 containers of household hazardous waste from across the Parish. Collections occurred at three drop-off sites, including Mandeville High School, the Parish Jail in Covington and Camp Villere in Slidell.  The chemicals collected thus far from St. Tammany Parish prevented approximately 200,000 pounds of hazardous chemicals from being dumped in municipal waste landfills.

     In addition to the household hazardous waste collection, the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers are collecting large appliances (white goods) curbside such as air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers, stoves, ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, washers, and dryers (do not take large appliances to the drop-off locations).  Electronics such as televisions and computers will also be collected.  These goods must be curbside by January 2, 2006, so that crews can begin the final pickup operations of white goods on January 3, 2006. To ensure pickup of goods at your location, please make sure that appliances and electronics are brought to the side of the road so collectors know that you have placed these items for pickup. Please note that this collection is free-of-charge to residents.

     Once final pickup is performed in the area, there will be no additional curbside pickup by the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers.  If residents have questions or want to inform the agencies of the location of appliances or household hazardous waste, they can contact the EPA at 1-800-401-1367 or the Parish at 985-898-2323.

Western St. Tammany Parish location, open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday Mandeville High School - To access the site, take the West Causeway Approach to Mandeville High Boulevard.  Take Mandeville High Boulevard to the circle at the end of the road - look for yellow signs.

Northern St. Tammany Parish location, open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays Near Parish Jail in Covington - To access the site, take Columbia Street to Champagne Street and follow signage.  

Eastern St. Tammany Parish location, open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week Near Slidell, eastern gate of Camp Villere - To access the site, take US Highway 11 to Browns Village Road just north of I-12.  Drive about two miles west until you reach the end of paved road at the East Gate of Camp Villere.  Drop-off site is just inside the gate on the left.