ATHENS, Ala. — On Saturday, May 20th, residents of Limestone County are invited to bring household hazardous waste materials to the Athens Middle School parking lot (between the stadium and middle school building). Proof of residency may be required. The collection event is free of charge; however, donations to KALB will be gladly accepted.
"... what started it was several years ago, some chemicals were poured down a storm drain." Keep Athens Limestone Beautiful Executive Director Claire Tribble explained.
Tribble also said these chemicals are not only very toxic for people and plants. But, they are also toxic for animals.
"... and there was a mother cat and three kittens. They were rescued. One kitten actually ended up dying from the burns." Tribble stated, "They were too severe and the others were nursed back to help. It was a long process, but they were nursed back to health and they survived, and that's what started this opportunity for Limestone County."
Tribble encourages residents to take this opportunity to rid homes, garages, sheds, and basements of hazardous materials.
"So we are accepting household cleaners, yard chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, automobile fluids, used motor oil, transmission fluids, mercury, which would be liquid mercury. your thermostats, thermometers, we're accepting televisions, which also has mercury, and lead and what not." said Tribble.
They are also accepting pool chemicals, paint, paint thinners, and anything paint related chemical wise. They are also accepting medications. "It has to be a pill form. it doesn't have to be in the original bottle," she added.
This is a free, drive-thru event. "You don't have to get out of your car. We will have volunteers to unload the items that you bring," Tribble said.
The event is from 8:00 a.m. 12 noon, at the Athens Middle School parking lot (between the stadium and middle school building).