For Immediate Release
Contact:  Jason Gerwig
630/407-6022
June 25, 2007

RESIDENTS HELP MAKE HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION EVENT A SUCCESS

WHEATON ― Over 1,660 households participated in the year’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event, held on Saturday June 2^nd which collected approximately 14,923 gallons of waste. 

This one-day event, co-sponsored by DuPage County and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, was held at the DuPage County complex in Wheaton.

"This event was a huge success because of the commitment to a healthy environment shown by over 1,660 DuPage County families that participated in our Household Hazardous Waste Collection,” said Jeff Redick, Chairman of the County’s Environmental Committee.    “More families and households took part in this year's event, and we collected 5,000 more gallons of waste than in the prior event hosted here.  That means there are over 14,923 gallons of hazardous materials that we know have been properly disposed and will not end up contaminating our soil or ground water.” 

Some of the hazardous materials collected at this year’s event include:  120 propane cylinders; 34.65 gallons of Mercury; 2, 420 gallons of paint; 1,210 gallons of motor oil; 275 gallons of ant-freeze; and 4,141.50 gallons of various poisons.

“Maintaining a safe and healthy environment is our responsibility,” said Redick.  “I am proud that DuPage County has been a driving force in county-wide conservation and I am committed to increasing our efforts in that area.”

For more information, please visit the County’s website at www.dupageco.org/edp/ and click on “Waste and Recycling” for updated information on the Regional Household Hazardous Waste Facility, options for Latex Paint and other recycling opportunities or call the event hotline at (630) 407-6760.

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