Illegal dumping of household hazardous waste can pose a dangerous threat to the health of our creeks and rivers. It can pollute and disperse through our waterways, which can block drainage systems and lead to flooding during storm events.
As part of our commitment to safe, clean, and enjoyable creeks and rivers, the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) plays an active role in preventing and raising awareness of illegal dumping by hosting and sponsoring events throughout the San Antonio River Basin. Read along as we share more info about how we’re addressing this and what you can do to help.
What Constitutes Household Hazardous Waste?
Household hazardous waste are materials of everyday use that include, but are not limited to, lawn and garden chemicals, motor oil, tires, batteries, electronics, and pharmaceuticals.
These materials are often disposed of incorrectly by being dumped illegally, flushed down the toilet, poured down the sink, or simply thrown away where they end up in landfills, which can lead to environmental contamination and poor water quality. It is important that these materials be disposed of safely and appropriately to prevent these pollutants from reaching creeks and rivers.
How is the River Authority helping prevent the illegal dumping of these materials?
The River Authority has partnered to support annual collection events in Bexar County that are organized by the San Antonio Water System in partnership with the San Antonio Police Department and the City of San Antonio Solid Waste Management Department.
In addition, the River Authority annually hosts six household hazardous waste collection events (two per year in Wilson, Karnes and Goliad counties) where certified vendors collect and transport the hazardous waste so it can be properly recycled or disposed of according to state and federal laws. These free events are not only important to keep our environment safe and healthy, they can also help raise community awareness of the importance of properly disposing of all waste. River Authority staff play an active role by speaking to attendees and sharing educational materials related to our vision and mission.
Our bi-annual household hazardous waste collection events are made possible through the collaboration of government partners. The River Authority is proud to partner with Wilson, Karnes, Goliad counties and the City of Goliad to continue hosting these events and carry out our mission. These local partners provide staff support, help coordinate the events, and spread the word to their community.
Throughout the years, we have seen these events grow in attendance and the amount of waste collected. We are very grateful to our partners and everyone that has attended and dropped off their hazardous waste for the benefit of area creeks and rivers!
What can you do?
Start by collecting any unwanted household hazardous waste and dispose of it at one of our free events. The next event is taking place September 19 in Karnes County. Karnes County residents can safely dispose of their household hazardous waste at the Karnes County Youth Show Barn located at 1480 CR 345 Kenedy, TX 78119 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Visit our events page for more info and to view a full list of acceptable items. This is where we will also post information on future collection events throughout the River Authority’s service district.
You can also help by reporting illegal dumping activity. If you see something illegal or hazardous dumped within the San Antonio River Basin, your first call should be to your local law enforcement office. Your second call should be to the River Authority’s environmental investigations team toll free at 1 (866) 345-7272.
